Paige Minear of The Pink Clutch curates a stunning Derby table inspired by Laura Ashley.
The Kentucky Derby, attending is a bucket list item for us, and one day it will happen, but until then I choose to celebrate at home. Every year I grab the yearly Derby bottle of Woodford Reserve, stock up on the mint, and make sure I am ready with all the fixings to watch the race and enjoy the day. It may be the fastest race at just 2 minutes, but I am sure to enjoy it all afternoon with yummy food + all the juleps.
This year I have set a table to inspire you to invite a few friends over and enjoy the beautiful spring weather outside following the fastest race in history. After the horses complete the mile and a quarter race you can sit, nibble, sip, and chat about all things horses, races, and amazing hat ware. With my new Laura Ashley Blueprint plates as my inspiration, I set the table with pink roses, a green tablecloth + napkins, and leaned all toward the grand millennial theme. It was the true table of my dreams with all the traditional elements + small pattern plates and details for days. As we know, I get very excited about the details.
Using the salad plate as appetizer plate and the dinner plate as its charger I set the table with my tortoise flatware to balance out all the girly elements. With the menu design to tie it all together, I was able to mix and match colors knowing the beautiful menu would ground it. I chose to use pink and white roses, instead of the expected red, to play into the traditional Laura Ashley grandmillennial goodness. This is the second time I have asked Mary Catherine Studio to make menus for me, and most definitely not the last. I love her work and she takes a text from me and turns it into magic every single time. She is my go-to for a fabulous and unique menu!
Mint Juleps are a must and I used this recipe to serve them in these beautiful julep cups. I love a julep cup and it makes the mix of bourbon, sugar, and mint taste even more divine in the ice-cold cup.
What to serve? I went with a traditional menu and listened to all my Derby-loving friends. You will definitely need some substance to match those power-punch mint juleps. This was my first time making Kentucky Hot Browns and will most definitely not be my last, they were delicious. Also, this recipe for Bourbon Peach Jam was incredible and I have more to use this weekend. That little detail made for my favorite way to serve a ham biscuit. I also highly recommend this nut recipe, they are so very good. And, bonus idea, bagging up nuts for your guests to take home as a party favor would be amazing.
So … you ready to host? Here is my pro tip for you. The Derby is on Saturday and Mother’s Day is on Sunday. Use the tablecloth and dishes on both days. Reuse the flowers and leftover desserts to treat mom. It is the best bang for the work you will get and she will absolutely love the effort you put in, I know I will. And if your Mother loves Laura Ashley as much as mine, gift her a few pieces from the collection. I have linked it all below, every single piece is beautiful. She can mix the bowls or salad plates in with something she already owns or you can treat her to the box set for four. I also love how the mugs are sold in sets, what a fun little happy for her if she is just as obsessed with coffee and warm drinks as we all are.
Find Paige’s full list of Derby must-haves here. Happy Derby planning … until the best two minutes of sports this Saturday.
