I'm an Expert Party Planner. These Are My Tips for Hosting the Ultimate Kentucky Derby Party
The Kentucky Derby may be the fastest two minutes in sports, but the parties around it can stretch all day. For people looking to host a watch party at home, the Derby offers a rare chance to enjoy American whiskey, Southern food, and to get dressed up in a fanciful style.
"The Kentucky Derby is always about bourbon and hats," says acclaimed Charleston-based event planner Tara Guérard. "It's a dressed-up formal occasion in the daytime, and it stands out in a creative way."
The perfect whiskey to drink on Derby Day, according to Guérard, is Woodford Reserve, since it's the Derby's official bourbon and each year the brand releases a special bottle for that race that is designed by an artist. This year's edition was created by Chicago-based artist Anna Murphy, who is known for her blue and white porcelain-inspired work.
Woodford also organizes a yearly charity julep program that turns the classic cocktail into a collectible work of art. This year's cup was crafted by Louisville jeweler Graham Newton. He created 76 pewter cups ($2,000 each) and 76 gold-plated sterling silver cups ($5,000 each), totaling 152, since this year's race is the 152nd Derby. Each one features a sculpted thoroughbred horse surrounded by 13 white sapphire stars, which is a nod to the original colonies and America's upcoming 250th birthday.
And while you have to be at the Derby in person to pick up the charity cup, even at your own Derby party, glassware matters. So Guérard suggests you skip the plastic cups and serve your cocktails in proper rocks glasses, or even better, proper metal julep glasses that frost over when filled with crushed ice.
Read on for more of Guérard's tips for throwing an iconic Kentucky Derby party.
Food That's Not Fussy
Forget dainty hors d'oeuvres. Guérard swears by fried chicken, deviled eggs, and pimento cheesesandwiches on white bread. A grazing table works best-think buckets of fried chicken, wedges of cheese, and cream cheese topped with pepper jelly served with crackers. It's simple, filling, and pairs perfectly with bourbon.
Atmosphere & Design
A few simple touches will go a long way. Guérard suggests throwing a plaid blanket or fabric over the bar or grabbing a couple of silver trays for barware, and setting out fresh mint and lemon wedges. Music sets the tone: a Spotify playlist mixing Southern rock, bluegrass, and country keeps energy up. For flowers, Guérard recommends a simple cheat-grocery-store bouquets anchored in a "frog," a metal pronged insert that can sit in a vase and help create a quick, no-brainer arrangement.
Games, Betting & Dress Code
Invitations to your Derby party should specify that hats are highly encouraged. Guérard says you can make it more fun by holding a contest for who wears the best hat - and a bottle of bourbon as a prize.
The race itself is short, so keep guests engaged with betting pools. Make sure the TV is central, with plenty of seating, so no one misses the two minutes that matter. Nothing should feel too fussy. Guérard insists it's about keeping things simple but elevated.
"The bar is stocked, the food is out, and you've got a game to bet-that's all you really need for a Kentucky Derby party," she says.
Mint Julep
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz Woodford Reserve Bourbon
- 1 spoonful simple syrup (one part sugar, one part water)
- 5-7 fresh mint leaves, plus more for garnish
DIRECTIONS
Muddle mint and syrup in a julep cup. Add the bourbon and crushed ice. Stir until the cup frosts. Add some more crushed ice and garnish with several mint sprigs.
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This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the Drink section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published April 27, 2026 at 3:23 PM.