We’re celebrating the most exciting 2 minutes in Sports – and you’re invited! Here is the recap of our cover feature this issue is on the most-loved Bluegrass holiday: The Kentucky Derby. If you’re throwing a Derby party this spring, we’ve got you covered on tips and inspiration with local businesses including FINE House & Garden, Elizabethtown Florist, the Homemade Ice Cream & Pie Kitchen, and local artist Courtney Ballard. Related features include a fabulous fashion feature from Type A Style with hats and fascinators galore courtesy of The Hat Doctor, plus delish drink recipes from Bourbon Barrel Tavern. Dreamy derby-centric photos by Morgan Worley Photography at HIP South.
celebrations are in order, and here’s what you ***need***
Planning the perfect Derby party requires decor, and PATTERNS ARE IT. I chose leopard chargers because I had them on hand, but I love this runner from FINE House & Garden. They are our favorite for local decor; they carry everything from table runners and pretty patterned napkins to tables, chairs, and furniture, plus horse-themed details ideal for the holiday at hand. You can visit FINE in person at 104 N. Mantle Avenue, Elizabethtown or shop online at finehg.com or Facebook and Instagram. Elizabethtown Florist can design in any style and definitely won the race with these gorgeous modern pieces for our party pics. Order your floral arrangements for Mother's Day early at etownflorist.net or call (270) 765-4134 for something custom for your event.
SWEET AS DERBY PIE
What better way to party with your BFFs than pie?! This Pecan Chocolate Chip Pie is perfect for derby parties and can be ordered on the fly with 24 hours notice to the Homemade Ice Cream & Pie Kitchen. You can reach them at 270-900-1920 and they are located at 1709 Dixie Highway, Suite 105.
SOUTHERN CHARCUTERIE
Sure to impress, any Kentucky event needs gourmet meats and cheese displayed for grazing. Charcuterie board, stirrups, and spoons courtesy of FINE House & Garden.
Pimento Cheese
Fried Chicken
Fresh- Baked Corn Bread
Ham & Jam Biscuits
Jalapeno Deviled Eggs
Peanuts & Salted Nuts
Red Peppered Anything
dreamy PAPER details make the day
Hats and fascinators are the go-to Derby outfit accessories, but parties need their own accents to complete the look. Local artist Courtney Ballard is the BEST in town for invites and paper products of all kinds. We also ordered this Derby board game online for a game night with kids or friends.
DERBY PARTY CHECK LIST
Fun Invitations
Curated Guest List of Your Best Friends & Closest Family
Horse-themed Decor from Much-Loved Local Shop FINE House & Garden
Neat Glassware & Garnishes
Drinks: Booze, Mixers, Garnishes
Homemade Snacks OR Catered Menu Options
Festive Linens & Table Runners
Table Top Details: Napkins, Napkin Rings, China, Flatware, & Cute Accents
FLOWERS, FLOWERS, & MORE FLOWERS. They don’t call it “Run for the Roses” for nothing y’all.
A Derby dress purchased right here in Hardin County from a local boutique
Your best hat or fascinator from The Hat Doctor, ETown native Ilana Kogan
Entertainment—the race may only last 2 minutes, but the fun doesn’t have to. We found a selection of board games online, but if you don’t want to buy anything, old school beer pong is always a blast even if you haven’t played since college.
Not ready to throw a party? Bourbon Barrel Tavern is serving up the best in Derby drinks, and they’ll be happy to host your event. Call in advance to reserve a VIP spot or visit their Facebook or Insta.
perfect derby drink recipes
No Kentucky Derby is complete without Juleps and Lilies... Bourbon Barrel Tavern bartender Brandon took the time to share his recipes and mix up some tasty cocktails for our photos.
MINT JULEP
Fresh Mint Leaves
1/2oz Simple Syrup
1 Cup Crushed Ice
2oz Woodford Reserve Bourbon
Water/Splash of Soda Water
Fresh Mint Sprig to Garnish
Directions
In a Julep cup or rocks glass, lightly muddle the mint leaves with a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon. Be careful not to break apart the mint; you just want to release its aromatic oils. Add the bourbon and fill the cup half full with ice. Stir until the Julep cup is frosted on the outside. Fill completely with ice and garnish with a sprig of mint. Enjoy!
OAKS DAY LILY
1 1/4oz Grey Goose Vodka
1/4oz Triple Sec
3oz Cranberry Juice
1oz Sweet & Sour Mix
Splash of Lemon Lime Soda
Crushed Ice
Fruit to Garnish
Directions
If you have an Oaks glass on hand, that’s perfect, but any stemless wine glass will suffice. Combine ingredients over crushed ice. Garnish with a twisted lemon peel and blackberry for the traditional Lily, but you may also use your choice of fruit. We love dehydrated blood orange slices. Navy dress from That Cute Little Shop.
A Message from Amanda on best-dressed derby style:
Before the Run for the Roses, you should run out to your favorite local boutiques for the latest in Derby Fashion. I’m Amanda Burris, a fashion guru and self-taught designer. I approach fashion & interior design with a frugal eye, and I love sharing my awesome finds through my lifestyle blog, Type A Style. I’ve compiled some of my favorite looks for the most exciting two minutes in sports—no need to drive to Louisville. All of the outfits can be purchased at your favorite local boutiques right here in Elizabethtown and all are paired with fabulous hats from The Hat Doctor, Ilana Kogan!
I’m a proud wife of a local police officer and mommy to Maverick Dean and his fur-brother, Bentley. Follow along as I find my way through life, one outfit at a time!
I’m a proud wife of a local police officer and mommy to Maverick Dean and his fur-brother, Bentley. Follow along as I find my way through life, one outfit at a time!
Instagram: @type.a.style
Facebook: @typeastyledesign
Amanda V. Burris
Swanky Shoppe
Run for the roses... and the tulips, daffodils, peonies, and dahlias! Floral patterns are all the rage, so why not rock what’s in with a Draper James floral dress and matching accessories. Plus, it makes it super easy to coordinate when it comes to a Derby headpiece with lots of flowers and colors to choose from.
That Cute Little Shop
I’ll be wearing lace to the races! Crocheted lace is all this rage this season. The scalloped detailing has such an ease of elegance without even trying. This breathtaking lacy confection pairs perfectly with a stylish headpiece and a simple clutch to hold all your winnings! Old town class meets trendsetter chic and brings all the class.
Brandi's boutique
In honor of the Oaks official flower, the stargazer lily, don’t forget to think pink on Oaks Day. Pink may be my favorite color, but it looks great on anyone and is so easy to style. I love the mauve shade of this ruffle dress. It really makes the neutral and gold accents pop without stepping outside the muted color wheel.
Raiment + Boon
Step outside the trifecta box by wearing a black leather dress. Not your typical color palette for the greatest two minutes in sports, but it brings all the class and sass. I love to wear unconventional pieces to Churchill because you don’t have to be bright and colorful when placing your bets! Plus, it pairs perfectly with the coolest leopard fascinator.
Love the looks? You can follow along with all of Amanda's fashion finds on Facebook and Instagram, but our favorite way to make the most of following bloggers and influencers is on LIKEtoKNOW.it. It is the easiest way to shop looks styled by your favorite influencers, wearing your favorite brands. Find exactly what you’re looking for from wedding guest dresses, ankle boots, and trench coats to faux leather jackets and leopard slip skirts from over 4,500 different retailers. Get the app and be sure to follow Type A Style.
WE LOVE SEEING YOUR PICS. Share your own Derby Day looks, drinks and adventures and tag us at #elizabethtownlifestyle. If you don't already, check us out on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings with Elizabethtown Lifestyle and local community events.
Happy Derby Hardin County!!
Cover dress from Raiment + Boon.
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