Kentucky Derby Party Ideas

Just because you can't make it down to Churchill Downs to enjoy the action doesn't mean you can't host your own winning viewing party at home. To make sure you end up coming in first, we've pulled together a list of seven essentials guaranteed to make your Derby party the best in town.

It's not a Kentucky Derby party without mint juleps, and the only true way to serve this storied classic is in fancy silver cups. Splurge for stainless steel or keep it simple with untreated metal or copper.

Old-fashioned homemade lemonade is the perfect nonalcoholic addition to your drink selection. A beverage dispenser makes it easy for guests to serve themselves, so all you have to do is keep an eye out for when it needs a refill. This container also comes in handy if you're planning on batching your mint juleps instead of serving them individually.

RELATED   Derby Cocktails Named After Horses, Because Why Not? "

Mason jars are great glassware options for both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. They're convenient, inexpensive, charmingly Southern and, most importantly, adorable.

These classy sippers are for those guests who prefer to skip the mixers and go straight for the hard stuff. 

Showcase your finger foods or desserts on this uniquely elegant serving stand that fits right in with the day's events. 

Keep the festivities going all night with treats made from these cute hat-, horse-, rose- and horseshoe-shaped cookie cutters. 

Everybody knows that using paper dishes and napkins is the best way to ensure easy cleanup. Thankfully, there are dozens of patterns and colors to match any theme.