This month, we caught up with event designer Julie Eastman to learn how to host an elegant Kentucky Derby party worthy of the winner's circle. On May 4, the track at Churchill Downs will come to life, with parties trumpeting the arrival of spring and spectators lining up to watch what many refer to as "the greatest two minutes in sports."
To Julie, the Derby is almost like a royal event, and your table setting should feel that way. Use everything from fine china and beautiful linens to red roses and silver mint julep cups. As a nod to the highly coveted garland of roses, Deitra Butler of Lush Couture Floral created arrangements comprised mostly of red roses, with pops of blue hydrangea and dusty miller to complement sky-colored linens. Julie incorporated whimsical elements, such as personal competition ribbons and horse tack to the table setting.
While a key element to hosting a fantastic celebration is a great mix of people and personalities, Julie noted that Southern cuisine is an absolute must. Thanks to several Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival committee chefs for their recipes ranging from deviled eggs and jalapeño cornbread to mint juleps. For these recipes and others, CLICK HERE.
–Sonya Cisneros Curry
Thanks to Julie Eastman, Extraordinary Events and Design; Deitra Butler, Lush Couture Floral; Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival chefs; Lawrence's for providing glassware, chargers, stoneware and floral containers for our photo shoot.
