You needn’t be a Southern Belle petticoat-deep in Derby tradition to throw an acceptable Run for the Roses bash. (Though if you are, can we come over?) Here are tips to take you through every step of decorum, from accenting a floppy hat to the perfect bourbon cocktail. See you in the winner’s circle.
The 139th time’s a charm for the Kentucky Derby airing Saturday, May 4, at 4 p.m. ET on NBC.
Unless you can run at breakneck speed around an oval faster than a thoroughbred, a blanket of roses shall not be lain over your shoulders. Instead, drape a circle of silky flowers around your neck to ensure (at the very least) a Best Dressed victory.
Get the directions.
The NYC-based mad hatter shows you how to trick-out your Derby headgear. All you need is a big ole topper, a vintage scarf or ribbon, scissors, grommet kit, Sharpie, and hammer. Pair with cocktails for a glamorous viewing to the finish line and beyond.
Watch the video.
Unlike figuring out how to rakishly tip your hat, this drink is simple. All you need is Wild Turkey, Cointreau, lime juice, and mint to consider yourself hot to trot.
Get the recipe.
Garden & Gun style editor Haskell Harris says there’s a new (unofficial) dress code for the winner’s circle. According to her go-to Southern style source, Laura Vinroot Poole of Capitol in Charlotte, North Carolina, a headband with a sculptural component is more modern than a hat, and a bold sundress paired with a statement necklace is the new go-to getup. Even if your thoroughbred loses, at least you’ll look like a contender for the Triple Crown.
Never without a bow tie or charming quip, K. Cooper Ray, the Southern gentleman behind well-mannered blog and shop Social Primer, shares his do’s and don’ts of Derby Day decorum.
- Do learn the words to My Old Kentucky Home. Join the sing-along and impress the locals.
- Do dress comfortably. It’s an outdoor affair. Gents, when in doubt, do a Charleston tuxedo: navy blazer, bow tie, and khakis. Ladies, make sure your hat is more maneuverable, less monstrosity.
Wherever you partake in the festivities — in the stands, on the field, sitting cross-legged in front of the TV — follow K. Cooper Ray’s Social Primer rules and you’ll surely be invited back.
- Don’t be shy. Experts love sharing advice. Solicit tips on the horses, jockeys, and trainers from those around you. (Go heavy on the please and thank yous.)
- Don’t miss the action. It’s the most exciting thing in the world — and it’s over in two minutes. Be ready when the bell rings.
According to Harris, it’s time to bend the rules for gents, too. Atlanta-based menswear designer Sid Mashburn lays down the new law: A ticket-pocket jacket is a must (for your winning ticket), as is a handkerchief (to wipe your tears). Wear a tie if you’re an owner (or just want to look like one). One trophy piece per ensemble, please (a colored jacket, bright tie, or playful pocket square — but certainly not all).
Here’s an appropriate way to horse around: Stamp out treats in the silhouettes of equestrian competitors for the hostess-gift equivalent of the Triple Crown. Tip: Use store-bought sugar cookie dough and decorate with the colors of your pick for winner.
Available at fancyflours.com.
Don’t worry: You needn’t have years of experience at the betting window to come out in the green on Saturday. We saddled up Jeff Siegel, HRTV analyst and co-owner of the 1997 second-place Derby winner, Captain Bodgit, for some sage advice.
Get the tips.
This is your chance to embrace your inner prepster. New England-based Vineyard Vines has partnered with Churchill Downs to bring you a Derby-inspired clothing collection full of horseshoe ties, mint julep sashes, Run for the Roses dresses, and more.
Available at vineyardvines.com.
This classic Derby dish is a spicy stew that will stick to your ribs and keep stomachs calm during the dash around the oval. Tradition says that a good burgoo is thick enough to stand a spoon in — perfect for soaking up all the bourbon.
Get the recipe.
Having a Derby party without mint juleps is akin to running a race without horses. Please die-hard traditionalists and revisionists alike with this peace offering that retains the mainstays (rye bourbon, mint) but offers subtle twists (honey syrup, Angostura bitters).
Get the recipe.
Ever pop a delicious round of meat into your mouth and think, “This could really do with some grape jelly and chili sauce”? If the answer is no, just wait. The recipe, which has only four steps and calls for frozen meatballs, might not even last for the two minutes around the oval.
Get the recipe.
The classics are great, but sometimes staples need sprucing up (like adding zombies to a Jane Austen novel). Preserve tradition with rye whiskey but add citrus and sweetness with this cocktail from Italian-inspired San Francisco restaurant Quince.
Get the recipe.
Dallas-based bar and restaurant The Cedars Social offers a sweet take on traditional Derby cocktails. Pair Knob Creek Single Barrel bourbon with honey, marigold sprigs, a blackberry, and crushed ice — and get ready to prance like a pony.
Get the recipe.
Telling pals “silly people, those ribbons are for horses” is just a trick. Reward partygoers for feats of daring (guzzling the most bourbon), honor (being the designated DD), or just showing up with festive adornments.
In case you forgot, making a classic Southern dessert is a piece of cake, er, pie. We consulted with The Los Angeles Athletic Club (a hotel, not a cruelly named bakery) for its recipe that will qualify you for many parties to come.
Get the recipe.
Comments