Kentucky Derby Soirée

Hold your horses!

The Kentucky Derby is this Saturday! 

We are breaking out all of our southern charm, with a southern California twist 😉 

Everything from Derby inspired tableware, big floral hats (that you can DIY!), cupcakes  and of course some mouthwatering bourbon biscuit and lamb sliders. Scroll down to peak into the magic and get inspired to craft up your own Derby party!

Floral // When I think Kentucky Derby I think big flowers and bigger hats! We carried out some standard spring blooms with tall blue delphinium and rich purple lilacs. I wanted the flowers to make a statement and give off that spring feel of the Kentucky Derby. I kept it simple with singular flower types so they would stand our more, still just as gorgeous as an arrangement! 

Tablescape Finds:

 turquoise glassware – H&M Home // dinner plate – Crate & Barrel // salad plate – Target // pillows – Home Goods
 flatware – Vintage // napkins- Home Goods // 

Tablescape // For this California twist we did a tablescape with more of a garden feel by piling tons of pillows around a low set table. The overall feel had a glam touch to it. We spray painted mini kid horses from the craft store and horseshoes rosegold for a little southern charm. The overall palette was blush pinks, turquoise, white and metalics. For a fun twist and extra texture tie your napkins in a knot instead of the normal flat fold!

Mint Julep Bar // DIY bars are my favorite party touch. When I have people over it’s a nice way to get them mixing, mingling and get a little creative. It also takes some of the pressure off yourself to constantly refill everyone’s drink. We set all of the necessities out and a few fun twists for a Julep Bar:

Club Soda
Bourbon
Simple Syrup
Mint Julep Glasses
Citrus Slices
Blackberries
Fresh herbs: rosemary and thyme
Elder-flower lemonade for your non drinkers

Rosette Cupcakes // The Kentucky Derby is notoriously known for large bunches of red roses for decor. We played this look up a little with rosette cupcakes. The orange / pink swirl complimented our palette more and they look so whimsical! To get this gradient looking rosette mix two to three different colors in your piping bag with a large star tip. Start in the center of the cupcake and work your way outward. 

Light Bites with Southern Flare // We wanted to keep the fare on the lighter side but still make a statement. We opted for tea sandwiches, salads, cupcakes and bourbon biscuit and lamb sliders. Don’t be intimidated by lamb, these sliders are so juicy and laced with bourbon notes for the ultimate Southern feel. Forget outdated mint jelly and pair them with a mint julep for a modern twist! Grab the recipe below:

Bourbon Biscuits and American Lamb Sliders

For Biscuits
3 Cups of all purpose flour
3 Tablespoons of baking powder
1 Tablespoon of brown sugar
1 Teaspoon of salt
2 Tablespoons of honey bourbon
5 Tablespoons of unsalted butter
2 Cups of whole milk
+Melted butter for brushing

For the sliders
1 Lbs of American ground lamb
2 Tablespoons of fresh minced garlic
1 Teaspoon of kosher salt
1/2 Teaspoon of freshly cracked pepper
1 Tablespoon of freshly minced rosemary

For Caramelized onions: slice two yellow onions, thinly. In a large pan heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil on low-medium heat. Add in onions and cook low and slow for 30-40 minutes.

Toppings: Fresh arugula, blue cheese, and caramelized onions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit

Grease a cupcake tin. Combine flour, baking powder, brown sugar, salt, honey bourbon and butter in a large bowl. Blend mixture with a pastry blender until crumbly. Add in milk and stir until a ball forms. Drop 1/4 Cup of biscuit batter in a cupcake pan indent (a cupcake pan will be the perfect size for slider buns!). Brush with melted butter. Bake in cupcake pan for 15 minutes or until golden brown.  

On a small baking sheet arrange 6 small patties and bake at 375 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. Arrange sliders accordingly.