Aiden's first Derby Party!

I have always celebrated the Derby and love everything about it. The food, the drinks, the outfits, the races. In the past, Drew and I have thrown our own Derby party, but this year our friends, Brad and Ashley were throwing one and we gladly attended as guests this year! We had so much fun!

They had a cute drink station set up with Mint Juleps and another drink I had never had called a Lily. Both were delicious. Aiden got all dressed up for the occassion and was infatuated with all the pretty ladies in their floppy hats.

I hope Aiden doesn't mind matching his Mommy. My stylish little man.

Our fabulous host and hostess! They went all out with amazing Derby food, drinks and wager boards so we could bet on the races. It was a beautiful day to be outside enjoying friends and watching the races.

And on Derby day I make my grandma's Derby pie. It is by far my favorite kind of pie to indulge in! YUM! You can find the recipe here.

Do you celebrate the Derby?

Do you celebrate the DERBY?! {Tips for how you can}

The past few years Drew and I have hosted a Derby party at our house. It is one of my favorite traditions that we've started as a married couple. This year, however, one of my best friends is getting married on Derby day (May 3rd) so we will be celebrating in a different way. I'm hanging up my hat this year, but will jump back in the saddle next year. Ha. Derby or not, it is going to be a fun weekend!

Do you celebrate the Derby?! If you need some tips for how to host your own Derby party click here for recipes, activities and of course outfits!See below for some inspiration...

And I promise to fill you in on where the heck I've been very soon!

How to host a Derby party!!!

Our annual Derby party is quickly becoming one of my favorite events to host. The time of year is perfect for a party and you just can't beat Southern food!! After having done this two years in a row, I feel like I have a few tips and fail proof Pinterest recipes that I can share with you...

My Derby Menu included Derby pies, Country Ham & Biscuits with Mustard Butter and Benedictine Sandwiches. I stuck with finger foods that were easy to make lots of and have extras on hand. Here are a few of the Pinterest recipes that I used and they were all delicious!
Country Ham & Biscuits
Mustard Butter
Benedictine Sandwiches

Drinks are always an important part of any party. A staple drink for any Derby party is a Mint Julep. I used fresh mint from my Mom's garden for garnish and then had striped straws out for fun. My Mom has been collecting Derby glasses for a long time and has quite the collection. I loved that everyone was able to sip Mint Juleps out of an authentic Derby glass. And since a few of my friends are pregnant I made Mock Mint Juleps using another Kentucky favorite drink, Ale 8. I used these Pinterest recipes...
Classic Mint Julep
Mock Mint Julep with Ale8

I made a few banners to hang up around the house with scrapbook paper that resembled a checkered flag. I was going for a vintage look and used an old Coca-Cola box and these amazing Mint Julep napkins that I found at TJ Maxx of all places!

Since the Derby only actually lasts 2 short minutes and starts early in the evening it is always smart to have a few back yard games to play. Croquet is a good option, but we prefer a game we learned from England called Kubb. The person who drinks the most Mint Juleps will probably provide you with some excellent post derby entertainment as well. Tad, you win.

And my favorite part of the Derby...

Cute dresses in fun prints and colors accompanied by a hat...what could be better? The guys chose khakis and light weight shirts. I thought every one looked great including baby Jack who wore his first Derby hat.

Have you ever hosted or been to a Derby party???
I would love to hear about it!

Linking up with Katie and Steph for Saw It, Pinned It, Did It!

My Mimi's Derby Pie recipe!!

Derby day has always been a fun one in our family particularly because I usually get to dig into my grandma's amazing Derby Pie. Whether you watch the Derby or not you need to make this pie. Trust me...it's amazing!

Here's what you need for one pie (but I recommend making more pies because one is just not enough)
-1/4 cup butter
-1 cup sugar
-3 eggs beaten
-3/4 cup Karo Corn Syrup
-1/4 tsp. salt
-1 tsp. vanilla
-1/2 cup chocolate chips
-1/2 cup chopped pecans
-9 inch pie crust
-2 Tablespoons Bourbon

Cream butter, gradually adding sugar, add beaten eggs, Karo syrup, salt and vanilla. Add chocolate chips, nuts and bourbon. Stir well then pour into unbaked pie crust.  Bake at 375 for 40-50 minutes.

So in honor of the Kentucky Derby I will be eating lots of Derby Pie, sipping on Mint Juleps and sporting a big floppy hat. Will you be watching???

Here are a few pictures from our Derby part last year! Happy Derby Day!