I'm not a huge sports fan. I don't care if I ever get tickets to the Super Bowl. I won't be disappointed if I never attend the World Series. Wimbledon doesn't inspire envy in me. And as much as I'd enjoy it, I have no hope of ever getting to the Masters. But oh, oh, oh I REALLY want to go to the Kentucky Derby! Now I truly like horse races. But even more than that I like the traditions that go with the derby. This Saturday marks the 135th Run for the Roses and though I won't be there, I've prepared a little tablescape for while I watch and dream of mint juleps and picture hats.
I set the small sideboard in the breakfast room with mint juleps and cheese straws, two southern favorites and "must-haves" for the Kentucky Derby. I have had these monogrammed silver julep cups since I married. They are one of my favorite entertaining accessories. I've used them for bloody mary's, fruited tea, mimosas and flower arrangements. They keep the drink so ice cold that they form tiny little water droplets on the outside! They are sitting on a silver gallery tray. Did you know red roses are the official flower for the derby winner's garland. I treat myself to fresh flowers almost every week---from the 1/2 price container at my Kroger's florist! And of course, paper napkins won't do for this event. These are cutwork linen luncheon napkins perfect for a snack while watching on tv. If you want to sip on a mint julep while cheering on your favorite horse, this is the recipe we use: Put two sprigs of fresh mint in the bottom of a glass. Add one rounded teaspoon of powdered sugar and a few drops of water. Use a wood spoon or muddler and thoroughly "bruise" mint, sugar, and water. Add a jigger of your favorite bourbon. Pack the glass to the rim with finely crushed ice. Add another jigger of whiskey and let it trickle to the bottom of the glass. Top with a sprig of fresh mint.
Now if you decide to make these, hold on to your hat and while you're at it visit Susan and all the other tablescapers at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ See you at the derby!
Susan,
ReplyDeleteI will be right over, honestly I always watch it and my mom made such a big deal of it when we were kids. She love's it and since we have Kentucky roots, she thinks we're still part of that state. So fun, Cindy
Oh I so enjoy the Kentucky Derby also. I love to see all the hats as well as the races and I sit on the edge of my chair and root. Your mint julip cups and tray are stunning. Love the roses, what a wonderful side table all ready for the race. I don't think I will have a "julep", but I would love some iced tea. Thanks for sharing. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteOk So let me get this straight... that's TWO juggers of your favorite bourbon correct???? Yeah, one would be all I would need... But you southerners probably drink bourbon like us in the southwest drink tequila Huh? I Love it... My son wants me to make him a mint julep, now I know how. Thanks for posting the recipe... Tally ho? I don't know...
ReplyDelete~Really Rainey~
Love this setup! Very refreshing!
ReplyDeleteThe more I read on your blog, the more I see we have in common. I LOVE to watch the Kentucky Derby on TV and also long to attend a real race. We have silver tumblers, given to me as a b.d. gift, that we used a couple of years ago to serve mint juleps at a Mint Julep Party we hosted.(what a terribly constructed sentence!) Our recipe used simple syrup for the sweet part, but I will certainly try yours!! I can't believe it's time for that race ALREADY again!!
ReplyDeleteYou're tablescape looks splendid!! Dana
I am with you on the Derby! I don't care for many sporting events, but I REALLY want to go to the KY Derby! I want to wear a big hat and sip mint juleps! Yours look divine!!!!! Maybe some day! :D Jewel
ReplyDeleteI love sports and lived in Ky and the Derby is taken very seriously. The Ky horse farm is amazing and a must see when visiting Ky. I have my hat on and my party food ready and my racing form all ready to go and all I need is one of your Mint Juleps. So pass one to me:)
ReplyDeleteJoyce
WAIT! Save one for me! And put two jiggers of bourbon in mine! :) We're off to the races ...
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking of having a derby party. Thanks for ideas! Love the red roses!
ReplyDeleteMe too! Never miss it -- on TV! I usually make a toddy for the body, and this year I might wear my big fancy hat! Thanks for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteScribbler
Can we all come watch the Derby with you? I'll even have one of your mint juleps, even though a friend commented the other day that she thought they weren't very good (and she's even from Kentucky).
ReplyDeleteI have never had a mint julep. It sounds like it's a pretty strong drink. Those cups you have certainly have been a gift that has kept giving! I love to have special items like that.
ReplyDeletePretty red roses. I like to shop the supermarket marked down flowers, too! :)
Pretty setting. I have never been to the Ky. Derby, and haven't really thought about wanting to go. Ooops! do I need to run and hide?!?:-) I have had a mint julep before - a little strong for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my place.
I'll be thinking of you on Saturday - sipping your mint julep! Sweet post!
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful!! My sis on law has always wanted to do to the derby...me too if truth be told! This year I am rooting ffor the horse owned by the former teacher...the man who saved the horse and worked with him to fulfill a dream of a derby entry! It is such a Cinderella story!
ReplyDeleteYour table was so pretty and wouldn't I love to be there for this party!
I just added my first tablescape Thursday! I cheated a bit by using photos I took from a recent flower show but next time I will add my own!
Warmly,
Sue
We always go to a Derby Party -- love your mint julep cups and yes, they are quite versatile! Quite well thought out with cheese straws and red roses!
ReplyDeleteHmmmm, perfect for a hot summer day!...Christine
ReplyDeleteMay the best horse win!!! I think it would be fabulous to attend the Kentucky Derby. Race horses are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like perfection. I've always wanted julep cups. I didn't know that about cheese straws!
ReplyDeleteHappy TT
Oh that is SO pretty! I have only gone to one Kentucky Derby party, and it was in New Jersey!
ReplyDeleteYour julep cups are gorgeous. It all looks just so gracious, and beautifully Southern!
Thanks for visiting -- and Howard says he enjoyed your Danish very much!
Cass
Wow....that was close. :-D
ReplyDeleteI was thinking about doing a derby scape with mint juleps and hot browns, and then decided to just set the table for our dinner this evening.
But I'm glad you did...and your festive sideboard looks so inviting.
Hope your day was beautiful
Love your julep glasses! I have been to 2 Derby Parties.., fun...we picked the names of our horses out of a hat..made it interesting..
ReplyDeleteHave a great Derby Day..Hope he sun is out in KY, supposed to rain here in NY!
Your Kentucky Derby tablescape is perfect :-) I'd love to have a set of julep glasses -- although not being a big drinker, I'd probably sip lemonade from mine :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my Hooked on Fridays post :-) I might write another post on how to use Windows Live Writer, so stay tuned for that :-)
Enjoy Derby day!!
Kelly @ DesignTies
This was a really cute idea for a tablescape Susan. I love those julep glasses. My brother lives right near Churchill Downs and I know that I should have started going to the derby years ago but haven't. Silly me. The hardest thing is to find a place to stay and i don't have that problem!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting me today. Have a great rest of the week!! :-D
xoxo
Jane
Oh, I love watching the Kentucky Derby. As kids, we grew up with horses, and so it has always been a favorite here. I love your beautiful mint julep cups, although I have to say that al that bourbon would probably have me out cold before the race even began! ;)
ReplyDeleteOh, Susan - I wish I could be at your casa sippin' your lovely juleps on Saturday! Just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI love the Derby theme! Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteOh my those mint juleps look tasty! Thanks for visiting me and leaving such nice comments. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteSusan, love your mint julep cups! I've never had a mint julep. I'm going to have to try making some. The Derby is always so fun-if only to see the hats! Your red roses are beautiful. laurie
ReplyDeleteThe silver julep cups are GORGEOUS...what a treasure! So pretty and so perfect for the Derby!!
ReplyDeleteI missed this last week. What a great idea to do the tablescape with Kentucky Derby theme! I have one mint julep cup, my daughter gave them at her wedding.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful job, love the red roses!
Katherine