Entertaining

The Derby Dozen

Twelve festive entertaining items for your Run for the Roses party

Photo: Colleen Burdett


The secret to any successful Southern party (other than good booze, good friends, and good food) is little bit of quirk when it comes to the table decor—even if you’re celebrating something as time-honored and traditional as the Kentucky Derby. Whether you’re tailgating at Churchill Downs or in your backyard, we’ve collected a short list of items with personality, from custom Derby cookies made exclusively for G&G Mercantile & Co. by Savage’s Bakery in Birmingham, Alabama, to handmade glass julep straws and brass binoculars. Shop all 12 below.


Classic Julep Cup

No Derby day is complete without this stylish standard.

ggmercantileco.com, $55 each


And They’re Off Cocktail Stirrers

Up your garnish game with these winning stirrers. ggmercantileco.com, $22 for 10


Derby Winner Cookies

Run for the Roses butter cookies made exclusively for Garden & Gun Mercantile & Co. by Savage’s Bakery in Birmingham, Alabama. ggmercantileco.com, $55 for 12


Campaign Folding Chair

Campaign chairs are the original tailgating furniture. amazon.com$271


Godinger Dublin 4-in-1 Cake Dome

Pile tiny country ham biscuits or display dessert inside this old-school cut glass cake dome. amazon.com, $48


Old Modern Handicrafts Brass Binocular

Keep your eyes on the winner with classic brass binoculars. amazon.com$71


Kate Aspen Kraft Paper Fans

In the South, it’s never a bad idea to provide some form of air-conditioning (like these hand-held paper fans). amazon.com, $12 for 12


Melange 6-Piece Dining Set

These sunny melamine plates look like real china but are durable enough for a picnic. amazon.com, $20 a set


Bedford Rattan Tray

Serve your mint juleps on this breezy cane-and-rattan tray. serenaandlily.com, $148


Endi Pom Pom Napkins

The red trim on these napkins is a festive nod to the Derby’s iconic rose garlands. furbishstudio.com, $48 for six


Glass Straws

History has it that the cocktail straw was invented specifically for the julep. Skip the plastic versions and use these colorful glass sippers instead. food52.com, $38 for 4


The Elizabeth Derby Hat

Set off your look with a stylish hat, like the custom creations designed exclusively for Garden & Gun Mercantile & Co. by milliner Louise Green. Order by April 19th. ggmercantileco.com, $425


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