Throw a Dapper Derby Party with These 5 Tips

Earlier this year we partnered with the party planning experts at Black Twine during the Off to the Horse Races Design Challenge to help us find the perfect patterns for a derby inspired party styled by Cherry Blossom Events. After seeing Cherry Blossom’s Earth Day celebration, we knew they’d make the winning designs come to life.

1. Let your tables do the talking.

Throw a Dapper Derby Party with These 5 Tips | Spoonflower Blog
Off to the Horse Races design challenge winner, Run for the Roses by sarah_treu, takes center stage!

When your guests walk into the party, set the scene with bold linens and fresh centerpieces. Tie-in elements most commonly seen on race day like roses, horses and jockeys, or go with a more classic repeating pattern for your linens like seersucker.

2. Serve up a classic cocktail or mocktail to fit the theme.

Throw a Dapper Derby Party with These 5 Tips | Spoonflower Blog

A derby themed party wouldn’t be complete without a mint julep to wet your guests’ whistles. After the celebration is over, send them home with a recipe cocktail napkin that doubles as a souvenir.  To recreate the project, simply upload your 12 x 12” recipe design to Spoonflower and order as a set of cocktail napkins. Include the date of your celebration for a personal touch.

Design tip: Keep any design elements in the center 10 x 10” of your design canvas.

3. Dress to impress, but remember to keep it comfy.

Throw a Dapper Derby Party with These 5 Tips | Spoonflower Blog

If you’re spending an afternoon at the tracks, you’ll be sure to see big hats, bold colors and of course, the appearance of bow ties. Knit fabrics like Modern Jersey or Cotton Spandex Jersey are the key to a dress that’s both classic and comfy.

4. Fill the table with finger food.

Throw a Dapper Derby Party with These 5 Tips | Spoonflower Blog

As much as we love a 10-course meal, leave the countless hours of prep-work to the pros and think simple yet sophisticated. Light finger food including shrimp cocktail, Caprese Salad (on a stick!) and deviled eggs will leave your guests’ tastebuds satisfied. Bonus: these types of dishes are easy to prep ahead, which means more time for you to enjoy the party you worked so hard to put together.

5. Create a festive setting with handmade party decor.

Throw a Dapper Derby Party with These 5 Tips | Spoonflower Blog
Featured design: Seersucker Stripe by woodruff999301

Whoever said gift wrap was meant just for your presents didn’t know about the art of crafting the perfect party. Using just a roll of wrapping paper and white ribbon, you can create 20 half circle pennants for bunting to dress up your space. It’s the perfect DIY on a dime project.

Throw a Dapper Derby Party with These 5 Tips | Spoonflower Blog


Inspired to throw your next party? Be sure to tag your party pics with #spoonflower so we can see how you’ve styled your event.


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