Kentucky Derby Party Favors

The best way to end a day filled with celebration is to make the memories last even longer. Kentucky Derby party favors make a lasting impression on guests and show your appreciation of their attendance at your party.

Kentucky Derby favors can be homemade or store-bought. The key is to tie the favor to the occasion. Here are some ideas for Kentucky Derby party favors:

• Souvenir Glasses: Visit online party supply websites that specialize in party favors. Select souvenir glasses that can be personalized, and select a name for your party. An example is, “Lisa and Mike’s Kentucky Derby Party.” Fill the souvenir glasses with candy, and place the glasses in cellophane bags with a ribbon at the top.

• Chocolate Figurines: Visit your local chocolate shop to design Kentucky Derby themed chocolate figurines for guests. Ask the chocolate shop to create a mold of the gold trophy or Churchill Downs racetrack. Have the bakery decorate the figurines with edible spray paint. Place each figurine in a cellophane bag, and tie a ribbon around the top. Choose the color of the ribbons based on the colors of the horses and jockeys that will participate in the Kentucky Derby.

• Flowers: Visit your local florist and select a few dozen red roses for the Kentucky Derby party. Purchase the quantity based on the number of guests attending the party. Remove the thorns from the roses, and wrap the stems in ribbon. Place all of the roses in a vase. Pass a red rose to guests as they leave the party. Alternatively, provide corsages and boutonnières for your guests to wear during the event. Select a variety of styles and colors so guests can choose a design that complements their outfit.

• Recipe Book: Design a Kentucky Derby recipe book, and include recipes for dishes, desserts and drinks served at the Kentucky Derby party. Include recipes for Burgoo, Kentucky Style Pie and mint julep cocktails. Choose a picture, such as the Churchill Downs racetrack or a Garland of Roses for the front of the recipe book. Personalize the book by writing text such as, “Lisa and Mike’s Kentucky Derby Party,” on the cover. On the first page of the book, write a special note to party guests, such as, “Thank you for attending our Kentucky Derby party; and we hope you had a blast. We tried our best to make it even better than the last. Although the party is over, don’t worry, have no fear. We are already planning the Kentucky Derby celebration for next year!”