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Kentucky Derby Party 2016

May 9, 2016 by Julie 56 Comments

Two years ago, my parents threw a Kentucky Derby party that I wasn’t able to attend because I was in Miami for a friend’s bachelorette party. Throughout the day, I received picture texts and updates on all the fun and though I was having a blast in Miami, I was a little bummed to be missing out on what sounded like a great party with my family! My parents took a year off from hosting the party last year so this year was the first year I was able to attend their Kentucky Derby party. I’m so glad Ryan, Chase, Sadie and I were able to make the drive to Florida to spend time with my family and meet some of my parents’ friends.

Kentucky Derby Party

Their Kentucky Derby party was filled with beautiful hats, preppy outfits, delicious food and mint juleps that were a little too tasty!

Kentucky Derby Party Food

We arrived in Jacksonville late Thursday night and spent most of the day on Friday prepping for the party. My parents had 70 people RSVP so we had a lot of work to do! (Side note: My parents are clearly way cooler than me. I don’t think I even know 70 people!) When my mom stayed with us in Charlotte two weeks ago, we found a bunch of Kentucky Derby-themed recipes to make so we got to work prepping brown butter cupcakes, bourbon pecans (<— SO good and highly recommended!), Kentucky Derby pie bars, mini ham and cheese sandwiches, baked brie, bacon-wrapped crackers and more.

Churchill Downs Sign

I actually really enjoy party prep and had fun playing music and spending the day in the kitchen with my mom while my dad worked on organizing and assembling everything we needed from a beverage standpoint. (Ryan had to work remotely on Friday so he popped in and out when he could!)

Kentucky Derby Party Balloons

Chase was highly entertained by all the party prep fun when he was awake (apparently the noise a box of crackers makes when you shake it is solid gold to a baby) and I felt grateful that he was in a good mood and napped well so we were able to be productive even with a nine-month-old in the mix.

Happy Chase

Saturday morning we set everything up and tied up loose ends before guests began to arrive. My mom did the most amazing job with some of the party decorations and it was neat to see everything come together. She bought photo booth props off Etsy for a fun photo booth station and made her own table cloths from Kentucky Derby fabric she found at JoAnn’s. So crafty!

Kentucky Derby Table Cloth

Kentucky Derby Photo Booth

She also made a big board with all of the horses names on it which was very helpful since the nametags my parents had available for guests had a special spot for them write in the name of the horse they were rooting for before they came in for the party! It was a great ice breaker since not all party guests knew each other and since those who selected a winning horse won a little bottle of bourbon or whiskey praline pecans, it was a festive and fun little game, too!

Kentucky Derby Horse Board

IMG_6557

Leslie and Mom

The party passed by in a flash and I enjoyed meeting so many of my parents friends and introducing them to the newest member of our family.

Ryan Julie Chase Fagan Mom Dad Baby Kentucky Derby

Everyone seemed to enjoy sipping on the mint juleps, taking pictures and chatting away until race time.

Photo Booth Kentucky Derby Party

Leslie and Ross

IMG_2833

Once it was time for the race, everyone gathered around the TV to watch the 142nd Kentucky Derby!

Kentucky Derby Banner

Kentucky Derby Party Banner

After the excitement of the race, those who selected the winning horse received a prize, as did the man and woman who received the most votes for the best outfit and the best hat, respectively.

IMG_2809

The winners:

IMG_2810

Though the party was set to end an hour or so after the race, people ended up hanging out for quite a while which was a lot of fun! I know my parents loved having their friends and family together in one place and I’m so glad we were able to make it to their big party.

Kentucky Derby Party Family

It was hard to get on the road on Sunday morning but such a treat to be able to hug my mom and wish her a Happy Mother’s Day in person! We had such a great weekend with my family and even though seeing them always makes me wish we lived closer, I’m grateful for the ability to drive six hours and be able to see our favorite people. I hope we see them again very soon!

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Filed Under: Family, Parties Tagged With: family, Jacksonville, Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Derby party

About Julie

My name is Julie and I am a full-time blogger, new mama, fitness enthusiast (certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor) and food fanatic (mostly healthy... but also not-so-healthy) living in North Carolina with my husband, dog and baby boy. Thank you for visiting Peanut Butter Fingers! I hope you enjoy little glimpses into my life and have fun trying the sweaty workouts I frequently share and making some of my favorite recipes along the way!

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Comments

  1. Patricia @Sweet And Strong says

    May 9, 2016 at 6:36 am

    I love themed parties. Those cupcakes and appetizers all sound so good! And love seeing everyone’s derby outfits, so fun!

    Reply
  2. Amanda says

    May 9, 2016 at 6:45 am

    What a fun party that sounds like! And great picture of the whole family!

    Reply
  3. Dietitian Jess says

    May 9, 2016 at 7:56 am

    Looks like an awesome party!! So nice that you were able to see your mom on Mother’s Day if only briefly- I’m a 5 hour drive from home and it’s definitely tough at times <3

    Reply
  4. Heather @ Polyglot Jot says

    May 9, 2016 at 8:09 am

    themed parties are the best–i love all the little touches you guys did! Sounds like a wonderful day!

    Reply
  5. Chelsea Cross says

    May 9, 2016 at 8:28 am

    OMG Chases and his lil outfit I died a lil bit. So cute! You guys looked great

    Reply
  6. Sarah @ BucketListTummy says

    May 9, 2016 at 8:30 am

    Your parents are so cool. Wow, I couldn’t throw a party like that and I definitely wouldn’t have 70 people to invite. I am dying over Chase’s outfit, what a CUTIE.

    Reply
    • Julie says

      May 9, 2016 at 11:10 am

      Right!? Me neither!! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Tracy Schwartz says

    May 9, 2016 at 8:43 am

    Looks like do much fun!!!

    Loved your outfit!

    Chase is so handsome in that little vest!

    Reply
  8. Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl says

    May 9, 2016 at 8:48 am

    Looks like such a fun time! Your parents are awesome, and your mom seems like she should plan parties for a living!

    Reply
  9. jen @ impossible jen blog says

    May 9, 2016 at 8:57 am

    that’s so lovely you were able to go home for the party. i miss derby days, it’s hard to find a good mint julep in budapest.

    Reply
  10. Nicole @ Blunders and Absurdities Blog says

    May 9, 2016 at 9:11 am

    Looks like so much fun! Glad you had a great weekend 🙂

    Reply
  11. Marina D says

    May 9, 2016 at 9:24 am

    Your family is the CUTEST. Oh my goodness Chase’s outfit was too adorable! I loved themed parties like this. Next awards season my family wants to have an Academy Award party!

    Reply
  12. Jessica @ Semi-Sweet Tooth says

    May 9, 2016 at 9:24 am

    Sounds like such a fun party! After living in the “South” – aka, Ohio, but only 90 minutes from Churchill Downs – and attending the Derby multiple times, the big event always feels a bit anti-climactic out here in Denver. While we do throw a huge “Orphan Easter” event for those that can’t travel home, adding a KY Derby fiesta sounds right up our alley! Maybe I’ll take a tip from your mom next year once our wedding planning has tamed down a bit.

    So glad y’all had so much fun! Totally lookin’ the part, too. 🙂

    Reply
  13. Shel@PeachyPalate says

    May 9, 2016 at 9:31 am

    You guys are so cute! LOVE your outfit!

    Reply
  14. Erin says

    May 9, 2016 at 9:40 am

    This looks like so much fun! Everyone looks great, but I love your sister’s dress. Can you provide the details on where I might find it??

    Reply
    • Julie says

      May 9, 2016 at 11:09 am

      I’ll ask her! I know it was the dress she wore to her rehearsal dinner a few years ago. 🙂 I’ll report back!

      Reply
    • Karen@fabinyour40s.com says

      May 9, 2016 at 2:20 pm

      Ditto, her dress awesome! Loved it

      Reply
  15. Anne @fANNEtasticfood says

    May 9, 2016 at 9:43 am

    Omg, that first photo – you guys are so cute!! Love your hat 🙂

    Reply
  16. Melissa @ melissakolbeck.com says

    May 9, 2016 at 9:56 am

    Ok your hat is SO cute! And Chase with his bow tie?? I want another baby now…haha!

    Reply
  17. Brynn says

    May 9, 2016 at 10:12 am

    Every year I want to throw a party and the time comes and goes. But after seeing your parents’ party, I have to mark my calendar for next year!

    Reply
    • Julie says

      May 9, 2016 at 11:09 am

      It was SO fun!!! I think having a theme and something to watch/celebrate made it even better. 🙂

      Reply
  18. Becca @ MyHungryRun says

    May 9, 2016 at 10:17 am

    Your outfit is SO cute! And love the pic of your family at the end, everyone looks super happy, even Chase has a big smile!

    Reply
  19. Annie Kreikemeier says

    May 9, 2016 at 10:19 am

    I may have to steal this party theme one day! Your family did a great job!! Love your outfit- where is your top from?!

    Reply
    • Julie says

      May 9, 2016 at 11:08 am

      Thank you! It’s from Nordstrom but the brand is O’Neill. The back is actually my favorite part — I wish I would’ve snapped a pic but it’s an open back with a tie in the back. Here’s the exact top: http://bit.ly/1rKYIea

      Reply
  20. Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says

    May 9, 2016 at 10:25 am

    Too fun!! And Chase is turning from a baby into a little boy!! Too cute!

    Reply
    • Julie says

      May 9, 2016 at 11:15 am

      RIGHT!!?!? Time needs to SLOWWWW down!

      Reply
  21. SUSAN PHILLIPS says

    May 9, 2016 at 11:01 am

    Wow what a great party! Your mom did an awesome job on all the food and decor, loved the idea of the poster board with all the horses on it.

    Reply
    • Julie says

      May 9, 2016 at 11:15 am

      Thank you, Susan! 🙂 She really did put a lot of time and effort into everything and I was so impressed with her, too!

      Reply
  22. Sarah says

    May 9, 2016 at 11:34 am

    So fun. I love theme parties where everyone dresses up. That lady who won with her awesome hat!? I love that she not just put a bird on it, but a birdHOUSE! Did you notice she had black seamed nylons but the seams were up the front? Is that a thing? she looked like a blast.

    Reply
    • Julie says

      May 9, 2016 at 3:45 pm

      yes!! she went all in and looked fantastic!

      Reply
  23. Amanda @ Exploring Life & Things says

    May 9, 2016 at 11:42 am

    Chase’s little outfit is so cute! Oh my gosh, I love it. Okay this is weird but I don’t think I’ve ever watched the Kentucky Derby haha. It sounds like a good reason to throw a party though!

    Reply
  24. Hillary says

    May 9, 2016 at 11:48 am

    Love your outfit and your sister’s dress!!

    Reply
  25. melisathorne says

    May 9, 2016 at 11:53 am

    I’m obsessed with your sister’s hat. It’s dynamite.

    Reply
  26. Jan says

    May 9, 2016 at 11:58 am

    That looks like so much fun!

    Reply
  27. Kim from MN says

    May 9, 2016 at 12:48 pm

    Cute party, cute hats, cute BABY! What a fun weekend! How do you make party planning less stressful? Would love to see a blog post on it! Since you mentioned it’s relaxing/fun for you, whereas it stresses me out so much, and I never seem to have enough time to finish everything in time, even when I plan ahead! Love the party! And Happy Mother’s day, Julie!

    Reply
  28. Kim from MN says

    May 9, 2016 at 12:55 pm

    I want to amend my last post and say that I meant: how do you make party PREP less stressful? Because party planning (ideas, recipe searches), are fun and fine. It’s getting ready on the day of the party that stresses me out! Never seems to be enough time! How do you do it? Just an idea for a blog post, since you and your family have such great parties that always seem to come together flawlessly! 🙂

    Reply
    • Julie says

      May 9, 2016 at 3:46 pm

      Love this idea for a blog post! I am planning a party for Chase’s first bday, so I’ll try to share some of my tips around then as I dive into planning that one! 🙂

      Reply
      • Kim from MN says

        May 9, 2016 at 8:01 pm

        Yay! Thank you! I’m about to buy a bigger house where I can entertain more, so I’ll be excited to learn how you stay calm, cool, and collected when guests are about to descend. 🙂

        Reply
  29. kristen moore says

    May 9, 2016 at 1:04 pm

    this is ridiculously precious! good gravy, your parents are pretty cool.

    Reply
  30. Sarah @ Sweet Miles says

    May 9, 2016 at 2:21 pm

    What a fun party!!! Yea man your parents are definitely the cool ones! Love Chase’s outfit!

    Reply
  31. Lisa says

    May 9, 2016 at 2:28 pm

    Love your and your sister’s hats. Where did you get them?

    Reply
    • Julie says

      May 9, 2016 at 3:44 pm

      Steinmart!

      Reply
  32. Julie says

    May 9, 2016 at 4:37 pm

    What a great party you guys put together! So impressive! So nice of you to come down a day early & help your mom get everything ready. What a great Mothers Day gift to her! Love your whole family’s outfits!

    Reply
  33. Ashley @ A Lady Goes West says

    May 9, 2016 at 7:50 pm

    The phrase “I can’t even” would perfectly describe the look of this party!

    Reply
  34. Julia @ Drops of Jules says

    May 9, 2016 at 7:58 pm

    You and your family are just way too adorable for your own good.

    Reply
  35. Bee says

    May 9, 2016 at 8:59 pm

    You all look wonderful! A less frequently asked question: where is Ryan’s suit from? I love the look and my boyfriend has been looking for something just like it!

    Reply
    • Julie says

      May 10, 2016 at 7:29 am

      It’s from SuitSupply.com! He just ordered it recently when he was on the lookout for a tailored suit that was less traditional than a typical black or gray suit!

      Reply
  36. Amanda says

    May 9, 2016 at 9:03 pm

    This looks like so much fun- I love your hat! This post made me realize I actually have never had a mint julep, and we were just in Louisville a few months ago! Must try!

    Reply
  37. debbie lane says

    May 10, 2016 at 8:17 am

    I miss Sadie…

    Reply
  38. Erica @ Whimsical September says

    May 10, 2016 at 10:54 am

    Your family is so dang precious! Love that your parents organized and hosted such a well thought-out party! PS… this is SO RANDOM! But I love following you on Snapchat, and I totally think you should do a quick tutorial on how your curl your hair!! I just can’t figure out how you do it, but I love it!

    Reply
  39. Lindsay says

    May 10, 2016 at 12:04 pm

    OMG Chase’s outfit!!! I can’t even.

    Reply
  40. Sydney F. says

    May 10, 2016 at 3:49 pm

    Looks like a GREAT party and you guys looked fantastic! So many cute touches! My husband and I hosted Kentucky Derby Parties for 3 years (sadly we’ve had weddings and graduation the last two) and a huge hit were the zip strips! It prolonged the race atmosphere.

    Here’s how we did it in case it’s something your parents would be interested in! We had a mason jar assigned to each race/strip and each name line was worth a $1 bet. We recorded all the pre-races, then a half hour before the final race would tear off a strip, name who had which horse, and then we’d play the race and whoevers horse won would win the mason jar of cash! We’d then fast forward to the next race. The only race we’d watch live was the final and had a Win/Place/Show betting station for that. It was fun to have small dollar amounts involved and multiple races to root for!

    It sounds more complicated when typing it out than it is! Ha! But just an idea if they ever want to switch it up!

    https://www.biggamesportscards.com/derby-downs.html

    Reply
  41. Aimee B says

    May 10, 2016 at 3:55 pm

    What a wonderful party! Where is your skirt from? Love all of the adorable outfits!

    Reply
  42. Edye says

    May 10, 2016 at 6:28 pm

    Looks like such a wonderful time! Love your outfit, you look stunning 🙂

    Blessings,
    Edye | http://gracefulcoffee.wordpress.com

    Reply
  43. Natalie says

    May 12, 2016 at 7:00 am

    I can totally see why you were bummed not to go! Looks like everyone had a blast!
    Dunno if it was intentional and I’m sure I’m the umpteenth person to mention, Chases outfit matches his Mama and Papas in colour tone/shade 🙂

    Reply
  44. Rita says

    June 28, 2016 at 12:19 pm

    great family pic!! Love your site!!

    Reply

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Hi! I’m Julie and I am a mom to three energetic boys and a personal trainer and blogger living in Charlotte, North Carolina. Welcome to my blog! Peanut Butter Fingers follows my life and my interests in food, fitness, family, travel and (mostly) healthy living.
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