20 Winning Ideas for you Derby Party Decor

Secretariat, via Google Images

Let's talk derby! Tomorrow is the big day - Derby Day - and whether you're in it for the horses, to place a winning bet, to have fun, to see the wonderful outfits and hats, to eat fabulous food, to drink marvelous drinks or to host a winning party, I've assembled some ideas for you that I've found from all over the web. Most are simple, some will take a little time... Mostly I have them here to inspire and give you some last minute ideas. It's Friday - it came upon us so quickly, didn't it? It's time to celebrate!

I adore this horse topiary! It is genius, isn't it? It was created for a barn wedding but I think it would be perfect for any Derby party decor! A plastic horse was simply covered with moss.... It is truly fantastic! Creative genius by Au Courant Floral

This adorable tin bucket is available from the children's catalogue, Chasing Fireflies. Though a bit last minute, you can spray any galvanized bucket - and use a horse template, decal to create a horse image, or pick up some First, Second and Third place ribbons for a quick decor fix. Use the galvanized bucket to store beverages, as a large planter, or kid's Derby Party toys... Horse Shoes, of course!

There's no better day for some Horsing around! I love this one from A Blissful Nest with the homemade tails made simply from yarn. I think adults as well as children could have some serious fun with this. If your party includes children you can also look into some inexpensive horse shoe tossing games and some stick horses as well....

If you have children, especially girls, you probably have a horse or two in the toy chest - dress your table up with them. Miniatures can be spray painted black, gold or any fun color you choose! This one, too, is from Clementine and Olive. 

I just love when decorating your party or home is child's play! Chalkboard paint on plastic toy horses makes for fun and whimsical place settings. via Clementine and Olive.

Bring out your trophies - They make wonderful vessels for linens, cutlery and floral arrangements...

Though this idea came from a wedding, these name tags would make for wonderful place settings. Not enough time or unable to find a real horse shoe? Spray paint toy ones in silver or gold. (Image via Pinterest, original source unknown.

This horseshoe frame from Amazon.com makes for lovely gifts, either a hostess gift or for the guests. Find your favorite Mint Julep recipe and place it in the frame.

Little stirrers with bows, available through Etsy, are really quite simple to make. 

Colorful washi tape makes these stirrers festive. These are simple, inexpensive and a fun way to add a pop of color to your cocktail glass. (via Buzz Feed)

The Watering Hole...

Recreate Lonny's bar tent... isn't it wonderful?

I love this idea of a Bourbon Bar! Set up a Bourbon Tasting station.

More on this over at Smarty had a Party.

Minted ice cubes for your Mint Juleps... (via Tumblr)

The folks at Horchow do not horse around. We love this equestrian ice bucket!

But we love to horse around and especially loved these stirrers found here on Etsy!

These Mint Julep cups are actually plastic. They will liven up your space without breaking the bank. Use them as centerpieces or at each place setting. One of many sites to carry them - Save on Crafts.

Give your guests a little token in remembrance of the day. A gift that keeps on giving! You can find small mint plants at any gardening center, Home Depot and even your local supermarket! Idea from here.

Now your Derby Party won't be complete without a perfect Mint Julep or Bourbon Pecan pie! Both of these recipes hail from Garden and Gun Magazine. (Click on the links for the actual recipes.)

See all the fun to be had while horsing around?