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Thanks to Kianna Davis’s viral 10-year old meme declaring “It’s Gonna Be May,” the calendar has now turned to a brand new page. And as the sun rises on every May, we eagerly welcome the first Saturday of the fifth month, famously known as Derby Day!
The Kentucky Derby’s 148th edition will occur at 6:57 p.m. this Saturday. If you’re a Michigander who isn’t heading to Louisville or Northville Downs, maybe you’re considering throwing a Derby-inspired party instead?
If that’s the case, we have gathered a few (mostly) tips from the source itself to assist hosts in throwing a successful gathering!
How to watch the Kentucky Derby
Hosting a party focused on the “Greatest Two Minutes in Sports” entails a significant responsibility. Although the Kentucky Derby festivities last all day, it is vital to ensure that guests are promptly engaged and prepared for the main event.
How to watch the 148th Kentucky Derby
The 2022 Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday, May 7 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race will be on a dirt surface and cover a distance of 1¼ miles (10 furlongs). The post time is scheduled for 6:57 p.m. ET and will be broadcasted on NBC. Online viewing is available on Peacock. Pre-race coverage will be on USA Network from 12-2:30 p.m. and then on NBC from 2:30 p.m. The weather forecast predicts low 70s with a 30% chance of showers in the afternoon.
And here’s who you will be watching/wagering on
The horse odds may fluctuate on race day, but here is the list of horses scheduled to compete on Saturday. If you’re interested in getting more information about betting, make sure to refer to the Playinmichigan Derby guide available here.
| Post Position | Horse | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mo Donegal | 10-1 |
| 2 | Happy Jack | 30-1 |
| 3 | Epicenter | 7-2 |
| 4 | Summer Is Tomorrow | 30-1 |
| 5 | Smile Happy | 20-1 |
| 6 | Messier | 8-1 |
| 7 | Crown Pride | 20-1 |
| 8 | Charge It | 20-1 |
| 9 | Tiz the Bomb | 30-1 |
| 10 | Zandon | 3-1 |
| 11 | Pioneer of Medina | 30-1 |
| 12 | Taiba | 12-1 |
| 13 | Simplification | 20-1 |
| 14 | Barber Road | 30-1 |
| 15 | White Abarrio | 10-1 |
| 16 | Cyberknife | 20-1 |
| 17 | Classic Causeway | 30-1 |
| 18 | Tawny Port | 30-1 |
| 19 | Zozos | 20-1 |
| 20 | Ethereal Road | 30-1 |
And now, onto the party!
To throw a successful Derby party, it is essential to have the right elements: stylish attire, delightful beverages, tasteful decorations, and delicious food. If you, like the author, are pressed for time, ordering charming paper invitations may no longer be possible.
You still have time to send an electronic invitation. Punchbowl offers a great selection of online invites that are free with a trial subscription.
After finalizing the invites and guest list, a crucial decision arises: Should there be a dress code or not? There is no obligation to mimic the extravagant outfits that will grace Churchill Downs. However, for those opting for a formal dress code, continue reading.
How to dress for a Kentucky Derby party
The Derby website suggests that wearing a hat on Derby Day is believed to bring good fortune. Given the forecast indicating a 50 percent chance of rainsnowarmageddon in Michigan and temperatures struggling to reach the mid-50s, it is advisable to have additional items like a parka, knit cap, hoodie, etc., on hand for the guests.
However, let’s imagine that warmer temperatures and sunny skies will prevail. Continue reading for advice on finding the perfect clothing.
Women’s fashion
- Choose a vibrant dress or pantsuit adorned with lively colors, floral motifs, or elegant equine patterns.
- It is recommended to wear spring heels, particularly for Michigan guests who do not want to walk extensively at Churchill Downs. However, it is also advisable for them to pack boots in case of snowfall.
- The jewelry can either remain subtle or be completely absent, as the main focus is on the hat.
The Hats
The timeless wide-brimmed hat, known as the “Southern Belle” style, is both fashionable and customizable with various add-ons that allow individuals to express their creativity. Another increasingly popular choice is the fascinator, which owes its rising popularity to the fashion-forward Duchess of Cambridge. These elegant headpieces are technically not considered hats but rather sophisticated adornments for the head.
Men can achieve a classy Derby style by wearing fedoras or bowler hats. This is the perfect opportunity to embrace boldness with any choice of headgear.
Men’s fashion
- Begin the ensemble by opting for vibrant trousers in shades like blue, pink, and green.
- Complete your outfit by pairing this with a playful shirt, like one featuring stripes or gingham pattern.
- The preferred choice to complete the suit is a blazer featuring navy or chalk stripes.
- Completing the ensemble, a stylish necktie or bowtie paired with loafers sans socks will perfect the appearance.
Kentucky Derby party decorations
Keep roses in mind, roses, roses. The prominent flower of the significant occasion is perfect for effortless indoor or outdoor decoration.
If you are planning an outdoor event, kindly ask your guests to bring blankets or lawn chairs. To enhance the festivities, ensure there is a beautifully decorated main table stocked with food and drinks, along with a handful of lawn signs.
For those seeking an extravagant experience, the Derby’s decorations page offers an array of items that cater to every Derby-themed desire. From rock glasses and paper plates to bar towels, napkins, aprons, and even Bourbon & Bluegrass Julep Candles priced at $29.99, you can find anything your imagination conjures up.
Do not worry, Michiganders who long for the delightful simplicity of an outdoor hot dog at the now-closed Hazel Park Raceway. Not every gathering necessitates a miniature tree intricately carved into the form of a horse.
Party City offers a wide range of affordable decoration options, including paper products, table toppers, photo booth accessories, and steel Kentucky Derby cups. However, supplies are limited at various physical stores, so it is advisable to place your order soon!
How to make a mint julep
It is assumed that anyone preparing to host a Derby party is already aware of the ideal drink choice: The Mint Julep! The cocktails page for the Derby offers a selection of 20 beverages, which includes the beloved Southern favorite, Sweet Iced Tea, as well as several delightful twists on the classic julep.
Derby beverages rely heavily on Bourbon as their backbone, with notable Kentucky brands Woodford Reserve and Old Forester making frequent appearances on the drinks menu. This writer respectfully suggests considering the modestly priced Jim Beam, also hailing from Kentucky, as a more budget-conscious substitute.
Those hosting parties can explore the website for additional inspiration, such as non-alcoholic mocktail recipes for those who choose not to drink.
AlcoholFreeDetroit is an emerging Instagram account dedicated to featuring delectable non-alcoholic beverages across metro Detroit. For those seeking a delightful concoction, some recommended mixing ingredients include simple syrup, tea, crushed ice, and refreshing mint leaves.
In this article, we will provide the recipe for a traditional mint julep, as well as a non-alcoholic mocktail version.
The classic Mint Julep by Woodford Reserve.
- Woodford Reserve, in the amount of two ounces.
- 0.5 ounces of Simple Syrup.
- Three fresh mint leaves
- Crushed ice
To prepare: Gently rub the mint leaves against the inside of the glass to infuse it with a refreshing minty essence. Next, pour in the simple syrup, bourbon, and ice. Give it a gentle stir, add additional ice if desired, and top it off with a sprig of fresh mint to garnish.
Mocktail Mint Julep
- Simple syrup weighs five ounces.
- Unsweet tea
In order to prepare, grab a tall glass and fill it with ice. Proceed to combine the two ingredients and stir well. Finally, add a touch of mint as a garnish.
Food to serve at a Kentucky Derby party
The food recipes page at The Derby provides excellent options for creating an ideal Southern-style menu. From bourbon-infused peaches to pimento mac and cheese to bourbon rice crispy treats, the recipes cover a wide range of delectable choices.
Visitors to Millionaires Row at Churchill Downs will relish in the official Derby menu featuring a delectable array of dishes. Indulge in succulent seared chicken breast accompanied by Pancetta, Vidalia Onion, and fennel cream. Savor the mouthwatering short ribs, perfectly cooked to perfection. And don’t miss out on the irresistible Woodford Reserve Sweet Potato Casserole.
If by any chance it happens to be you, kindly share some leftovers with us.
Fortunately, if hosts don’t have access to an expert chef like those in the Derby, they can still impress their guests with six delightful homemade recipes by southern chef Kelsey Barnard Clark. These include Supper Club Smoked wings with White Barbecue sauce, Twinkle Light Succotash, Okra hot fries, Green eggs and ham, Ice Box cookies, and Mama Jo’s Pecan Pie.
We’re here to provide you with the recipe for wings because who can resist the combination of wings and sauce?! This recipe yields three to five servings, so be sure to adjust the quantities accordingly. If you’re not interested in trying the suggested recipes, you can always opt for a box of wings which is always a safe choice!
“Smoked” wings ingredients
- Half a cup of light brown sugar.
- 1/4 cup salt
- 1/4 cup smoked paprika
- 1 Tbsp onion powder
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- Chicken wings, weighing 5 pounds, washed and dried by patting.
To prepare the wings, preheat the oven to 425°F and cover a half sheet pan with parchment paper.
Combine all dry ingredients in a medium bowl. Toss wings in the dry rub until evenly coated, pressing gently to ensure the rub sticks. Arrange the wings on a pan and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown hue and are fully cooked. Allow the wings to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
The ingredients for Alabama white barbecue sauce are as follows:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 0.25 cups of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp hot sauce
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- One-half teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
To prepare the sauce, combine all the ingredients in a medium mixing bowl and whisk until well blended. Enjoy right away or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a maximum of three months.
