Americans Wear Hats, Too: Kentucky Derby on a Dime

By Melissa Massello, May 4, 2011

Watching the Royal Wedding during our Swap.com trip to New Orleans last week reminded me of two things: how much I love the South, and how much I’m fascinated by ridiculous hats. (Here I am, at left, having my own Kate Middleton moment, rocking a secondhand peacock feather fascinator from The Closet Boston on Earth Day.)

It also reminded me that our own very American celebration of pomp, circumstance, and creative millinery was coming up this weekend: The Kentucky Derby. I may be a New England girl, but I was born in Biloxi, Mississippi (my parents were stationed there with the Air Force at the time) and I have a ginormous soft spot for the South.

Every year, I attempt to celebrate my love for Southern style by throwing a massive Derby party and am thwarted by one thing or another, but this year I’m dedicated to mint juleps, big hats, and a little infield-style debauchery. (OK, in reality, I’m probably going to have my mom and beloved mother in law over for a Derby-themed, big hat Mother’s Day brunch, but I’m sure booze and inappropriate comments will still be involved.)

If you want to rock your own Derby party on a dime, all you need are a few sprigs of mint, a bottle of bourbon, some vintage/thrifted hats and silver cups, and a decent TV tuned in to Churchill Downs.

Check out some of these Kentucky Derby sources for inspiration:

MINT JULEPS

What in the sam hell goes into a mint julep, you ask? Basically, three things: bourbon, mint, and sugar. Southern Living magazine has everything you need to concoct authentic Kentuck Derby cocktails your guests will adore, plus this sweet tea twist on the tradition. Not into bourbon? Check out this “Infield Punch” recipe from old faithful: the defunct but never forgotten Budget Living magazine.

FIND YOUR DERBY STYLE

Not sure what exactly constitutes an authentic Derby look? No problem. KentuckyDerby.com has this sartorial guide to Derby style for her and him, as well as free online Derby party invitations to send your guests in the right direction, too.

Also, check out this DIY Derby Hat tutorial, featuring tips from designer Eugenia Kim, on Daily Candy, to make your own bespoke look on a budget.

DERBY HISTORY

Of course, you can find all the Derby history fit to read over at the Kentucky Derby Museum at Churchill Downs, but we’re particularly fond of this cultural examination from the editors of Examiner.com in Knoxville, Tennessee, neatly folding our obsession with British headwear with an overview of how the Derby came to be.

A TO Z PARTY PLANNERS

When it comes to hostesses with the mostesses, my favorite is the digital doyenne of entertaining and HWTM herself: Jenn Sbranti.

On her blog, Jenn offers both sophisticated (rose themed) and super fun (infield themed) Kentucky Derby party planners. (She also has recipes for mint julep cupcakes — squee!)

Now, set your DVRs: Kentucky Derby action starts promptly at 5pm EST on Saturday, May 7th! Review the complete 2011 Kentucky Derby schedule online before making your party plans.