Derby Days

This weekend marks the 137th running of the Kentucky Derby.  I don't know if it's the Southern girl in me (although many would argue that Va. Beach is hardly Southern) or a flashback to the annual horseraces we would attend in college (where I don't think I ever saw a single horse actually race...just lots of drinking and fun), but I have grown really fond of the Kentucky Derby...afterall it is the most exciting two minutes in sports, right?  Plus...there's hats, seersucker, and mint juleps...who wouldn't be excited?
To add to the excitement, I am busy planning my dad's annual Kentucky Derby party.  Since the party isn't actually until Saturday, I can't show you any finished products yet.  But I figured I would show you some of my inspirations and ideas in case you were planning your own party (or want to now that I've excited you so much!). 

1.  Red Roses...it is the "Running of the Roses" after all, so there will be plenty of red rose arrangements

2.  Crate and Barrel's Ruffle chargers...I plan to turn these into horse ribbon replicas by putting some pretty paper in the inside with a horse silhouette and then taping some felt ribbon ends to the end.  Here's a picture in progress because my description was pretty abysmal

3. Horse toys...I actually got some that had a jockey on the back from Amazon and plan to paint them black glitter to use as a centerpiece (with some red roses of course)

4.  Tissue paper roses: I will be making these in all red to use on a horseshoe welcome sign for the front door

5.  Mint Julep cupcakes.  I found this recipe on Hostess with the Mostess, and am so excited to make them.

6.  Benedictine Spread.  I made this for our last Derby party and just served it with pita chips. Obviously, it can be made into finger sandwiches as well.  Delicious!

So, there it is some Derby fun!  Do you all have any Kentucky Derby plans?  Do share!