16 Pony-Filled Kentucky Derby Party Ideas
The beginning of May means many things: Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day *and* the Kentucky Derby are right around the corner. To help you cover all those party bases, we’re here to help you get your DIY on for a game-winning Kentucky Derby party. Short of heading to Kentucky and donning a fabulous hat, there’s really no better way to celebrate. You probably already have the booze covered (hello, summer cocktails!) and the dessert table decked out, so finish off your bash with a few of the DIY party essentials below. Scroll through to check out our favorite ways to kick your pony party up a seriously festive notch.
1. DIY Gold Horseshoe Balloons: Say hello to the easiest way to deck out your space, Kentucky style. Blow up some colorful balloons and use gold leaf to add a horseshoe to each. It doesn’t get more Derby than that. (via Balloon Time)
2. DIY Garland of Roses: One of the best parts of the Derby is seeing the beautiful Garland of Roses. Use this tutorial to put your DIY skills to the test and make your own. Once it’s complete, your friends will be so impressed that you made it, they’ll want selfies. (via A Subtle Revelry)
3. DIY Cornhole Game: Since the race only lasts a couple minutes, you’re going to need a few games to keep you and your guests busy for the rest of the day. Follow this guide to make your own cornhole game that’s perfect for your Derby party and beyond. (via Brit + Co)
4. KFC Prize Bucket: A prize is totally necessary for your cornhole tournament. Create the ultimate Kentucky prize using a KFC bucket filled with things like mini booze or little DIYs. Have your guests place bets when they arrive — winner takes all. (via Martha Stewart Weddings)
5. DIY Paper Prize Ribbons: Oh, the winning guest is *definitely* going to need a prize ribbon too. Use this DIY to make a paper option that you can not only give to the winner, but also hang as decoration at the party. (via The House That Lars Built)
6. DIY Flower Derby Hat: The Kentucky Derby is all about the *best* of the best hats. Give your traditional floppy hat a serious upgrade with this DIY. With a few faux flowers and greenery, you’ll have the cutest one at the party. (via I Spy DIY)
7. DIY Party Favor Boxes: On the hunt for an easy party favor? Look no further. Spray paint plastic horses from the craft store and glue them on paper boxes. Fill ’em with candy or a sweet treat, and consider your party favors complete. (via Coco + Kelley)
8. Printable Party Invitations: Instead of sending out a massive group text to your friends and fam, opt for some snail mail. Send off this printable invitation to get your peeps excited for the big race. (via Hostess With the Mostess)
9. Mint Julep Cart: It isn’t Derby Day if you aren’t sipping on one or two (okay, maybe three or four) mint juleps. Add a mint julep cart to your party with a quick decal. (via Sugar + Cloth)
10. DIY Cocktail Stirrers: You’re going to need a drink stirrer for your mint julep, which makes this DIY ideal for race day. Spray paint foam equestrian stickers and attach them to skewers to make this adorable option. (via Horses + Heels)
11. Printable Cake Topper: A DIY cake topper is all it takes to amp up your dessert table. Once you’ve printed and cut out the flags, attach the banner to two paper straws, and you’re done. It’s *that* easy (and cheap!) to make your dessert table look totally professional. (via Mirabelle Creations)
12. DIY Pony Necklace: These DIY pony necklaces are V adorable for your Derby party. Make a set and give them to your guests as they walk through the door to make their outfit that much more festive. (via The Polka Dot Chair)
13. Printable Drink Flag: Take your friends’ drinks to the next level with a printable drink flag. Between this and the gold drink stirrers, the cocktails at your party will be just as festive as everyone’s hats and outfits. (via Mint Love Social Club)
14. DIY Glittered Horseshoe Garland: Outline a photo booth space with this garland of horseshoes. Make this using wooden horseshoe cutouts, a little craft paint and a *lot* of glitter. You can use any color you want, but this green sure reminds us of the Derby divot stomp. (via Live.Craft.Love.)
15. DIY Paper Bow Ties: Make your party dapper with a few DIY paper bow ties. Whether you’re stringing them onto a garland or sprinkling them on your dessert table, these little guys are the perfect addition to your preppy party. (via Paper Crush)
16. DIY Derby Hat Drink Stirrers: These Derby hat drink stirrers can double as props in your photo booth. Get the creative juices flowing and DIY a set of them, because once they’re complete, your guests will be oohing and ahhing over them the whole time. (via Pizzazzerie)
What DIYs are you making for your Derby party? Share them with us on Instagram using the hashtag #iamcreative, and then find even more ideas on Pinterest.
