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Put Your Party in the Winner’s Circle
By Joan Whelan Waddell • Photos by Ewa Wojtkowska
So you’ve decided to buck the crowds at the track and have your own Derby party at
home this year. Congratulations! Your friends will be thrilled, and you'll have the
opportunity to create a tailor-made event. Whether it’s a casual outdoor gathering or an
elaborate indoor buffet, the key to success is thoughtful planning. Good food and
interesting props are all you need to set the stage.
My advice on decorating? Keep it simple. Especially when it comes to the buffet table.
You can create a festive tablescape with just a little imagination and a treasure hunt
through your own house. You may be surprised at how many Derby-related props you
unearth: glasses from the track, old tickets or programs, or maybe a prized collection of
silver mint julep cups. Whatever you find can become the starting point for a creative
tabletop design.
If you come up empty-handed, don’t despair. There are other ways to create a great-
looking table that don’t require a huge investment. For inspiration, think about the
traditions and events associated with Derby.
It’s horseracing at its best, set against a backdrop of Spring — with tulips in bloom and
fresh produce, such as strawberries, asparagus, and mint, in plentiful supply. An edible
centerpiece can be striking, particularly when arranged in an interesting way. Try
stacking cake pedestals of varying heights for a dramatic effect. Scatter lime green and
pink votive candles among the pedestals, and add a few horseshoes to complete the
look. The result is a visual nod to the Derby season, without being too literal.
With more than a month of activities, the possibilities of Derby “themes” abound.
Thunder Over Louisville, the Balloon Race, the Great Steamboat Race and Pegasus
Parade, to name a few, can suggest great table-decorating ideas. I was in Ben Franklin’
s Craft Store the other day and saw the most wonderful, brightly colored paper lanterns
(intended as garden lights). Translated as hot-air balloons and strung from the ceiling
in bunches of varying lengths, these become a stunning display over a buffet table.
If you prefer to stick with more traditional themes, think about the sights and sounds at
the track. Of course, there are the horses. But consider incorporating jockey silks into
your color scheme. Draping two harmonizing silk squares (for example, orange and
blue) over a white tablecloth is a dramatic way to show off your Derby fare. Carry these
colors through with fresh-cut Gerbera daisies in all shades of orange, interspersed with
mint sprigs.
At the track, it’s often the fashionable clothing that catches our attention. Why not draw
your inspiration from these colorful “props”? Arranging a collection of Derbywear on
your table — a wide-brimmed hat with a fabulous bow, binoculars and sunglasses —
gives you a feeling of being at the track without the hassles! Add framed photos of you
and your friends enjoying past Derbys to personalize it.
Roses are the obvious floral choice here, perched randomly in mint julep glasses. Find
wide satin ribbon in a craft store and drape it down the center of the table to pull
everything together. Choose one color or a mix, depending on the look you want.
Remember that visual clues for Derby themes can be found everywhere. It’s just a
matter of choosing one that fits your party. Keep the tabletop design casual if you’re
serving barbecue and corn. On the other hand, bring out the silver julep cups and trays
if your fare is upscale.
The most important thing, though, is to relax and enjoy your company. It was your idea
to have this party, right?
Embrace the joys of good design!
Joan Whelan Waddell, KY CID, Allied member ASID, is the owner of J. Waddell Interiors.
Ask her your decorating questions at joanwaddell@iamtodayswoman.com
By Joan Whelan Waddell • Photos by Ewa Wojtkowska
So you’ve decided to buck the crowds at the track and have your own Derby party at
home this year. Congratulations! Your friends will be thrilled, and you'll have the
opportunity to create a tailor-made event. Whether it’s a casual outdoor gathering or an
elaborate indoor buffet, the key to success is thoughtful planning. Good food and
interesting props are all you need to set the stage.
My advice on decorating? Keep it simple. Especially when it comes to the buffet table.
You can create a festive tablescape with just a little imagination and a treasure hunt
through your own house. You may be surprised at how many Derby-related props you
unearth: glasses from the track, old tickets or programs, or maybe a prized collection of
silver mint julep cups. Whatever you find can become the starting point for a creative
tabletop design.
If you come up empty-handed, don’t despair. There are other ways to create a great-
looking table that don’t require a huge investment. For inspiration, think about the
traditions and events associated with Derby.
It’s horseracing at its best, set against a backdrop of Spring — with tulips in bloom and
fresh produce, such as strawberries, asparagus, and mint, in plentiful supply. An edible
centerpiece can be striking, particularly when arranged in an interesting way. Try
stacking cake pedestals of varying heights for a dramatic effect. Scatter lime green and
pink votive candles among the pedestals, and add a few horseshoes to complete the
look. The result is a visual nod to the Derby season, without being too literal.
With more than a month of activities, the possibilities of Derby “themes” abound.
Thunder Over Louisville, the Balloon Race, the Great Steamboat Race and Pegasus
Parade, to name a few, can suggest great table-decorating ideas. I was in Ben Franklin’
s Craft Store the other day and saw the most wonderful, brightly colored paper lanterns
(intended as garden lights). Translated as hot-air balloons and strung from the ceiling
in bunches of varying lengths, these become a stunning display over a buffet table.
If you prefer to stick with more traditional themes, think about the sights and sounds at
the track. Of course, there are the horses. But consider incorporating jockey silks into
your color scheme. Draping two harmonizing silk squares (for example, orange and
blue) over a white tablecloth is a dramatic way to show off your Derby fare. Carry these
colors through with fresh-cut Gerbera daisies in all shades of orange, interspersed with
mint sprigs.
At the track, it’s often the fashionable clothing that catches our attention. Why not draw
your inspiration from these colorful “props”? Arranging a collection of Derbywear on
your table — a wide-brimmed hat with a fabulous bow, binoculars and sunglasses —
gives you a feeling of being at the track without the hassles! Add framed photos of you
and your friends enjoying past Derbys to personalize it.
Roses are the obvious floral choice here, perched randomly in mint julep glasses. Find
wide satin ribbon in a craft store and drape it down the center of the table to pull
everything together. Choose one color or a mix, depending on the look you want.
Remember that visual clues for Derby themes can be found everywhere. It’s just a
matter of choosing one that fits your party. Keep the tabletop design casual if you’re
serving barbecue and corn. On the other hand, bring out the silver julep cups and trays
if your fare is upscale.
The most important thing, though, is to relax and enjoy your company. It was your idea
to have this party, right?
Embrace the joys of good design!
Joan Whelan Waddell, KY CID, Allied member ASID, is the owner of J. Waddell Interiors.
Ask her your decorating questions at joanwaddell@iamtodayswoman.com