Growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, I’ve heard “talk derby to me” so many times it now feels like a casual greeting for this time of year. This week my hometown is preparing to host the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” – The Kentucky Derby. Held on the first Saturday in May at Churchill Downs, the Derby is a great reason to celebrate the spring weather – even at work.
We at Parthenon preach that when you set aside fun time in the office, employee morale gets a boost as well as productivity, so what better way to embrace this magnificent event than to throw your own office Derby party?
Not sure how to do it? As the official representative for All Things Kentucky at Parthenon, I have you covered.
5 must-haves for a good derby party
1. Décor
Before your guests arrive, you need to decorate. The winner of the Kentucky Derby receives a garland of roses, so this signature flower is a must. Horseshoes are another option, as well as jockey hats and goggles. You can find these at party supply stores.
2. Food
If you have not tried a real Derby Pie made by Kern’s Kitchen, you are really missing out. Sure, others have tried to copycat the recipe, but there is nothing like the original. You can order them for your party here. Kentucky is also known for a few other dishes that can be celebrated and served at your party, such as burgoo, the Kentucky Hot Brown, or Benedictine spread on tea sandwiches or crackers.
3. Drink
You can’t have a party without some libations, and you can’t have a Kentucky party without bourbon! The signature drink of the Kentucky Derby is the mint julep, while the drink of choice on Kentucky Oaks (Friday’s fillies races) is the lily. Here are some recipes to get you started.
4. Attire
One of the biggest spectacles at the Kentucky Derby is the fashion – for both men and women. Men can be seen in bright colored suits, but if you want to really get in the spirit, seersucker is the way to go. For women, it’s all about the hats. Derby enthusiasts spend all year finding or creating the perfect hat, and then find the dress to go with it. The hats don’t always have to be so serious, though; Check out these wacky and creative hat ideas.
5. Games
Although the actual race won’t take place until Saturday, Friday is the perfect time to get your office together to watch the fillies’ race in the Kentucky Oaks. You can put the name of each horse on a slip of paper and place them in a hat for employees to draw. The people with horses that win, place or show receives prizes. If TV isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other games that don’t involve watching the races, like horseshoes. Or you can always have a fashion show and award the person who is best dressed or has the most creative hat!
If you do decide to Derby it up at your office this year, tweet us a picture or shoot us one on Facebook. With enough burgoo and bourbon, it’ll feel just like Churchill Downs.