Diamond Derby Party 2011

Last night’s party went off without a single hitch! At 6:24pm, over 35 people were squeezed into 500 square feet to watch Animal Kingdom win this year’s Kentucky Derby.

DSC_0032 (640x426) DSC_0037 (640x426)While the Derby itself only lasted a few seconds, are house was alive with the sound of new and old friends for more than 6 hours! 

This year’s outfits were far superior to last year’s Derby outfits and the hats and spectators took up lots of room in our small apartment.

DSC_0026 (640x426) DSC_0022 (640x426) DSC_0060 (640x426) DSC_0052 (640x426) The food was enjoyed by everyone! We set up the buffet on our dining room table and bar area. There was plenty of space for people get food and converse around without it becoming too crowded.

We decorated the area with authentic Kentucky Derby items such as tumblers and pitchers. In addition, we carried the red, yellow, and rose theme throughout this area with red napkins, yellow tablecloth, and red roses.

DSC_0131 (640x426)

DSC_0130 (640x426)DSC_0021 (640x426) The hits of the evening were the macaroni and cheese, deviled eggs, and pimiento cheese. Buying pastry bags and tips from William-Sonoma yesterday made the deviled eggs so much easier to fill and ten times prettier than last year’s eggs!

DSC_0006 (640x426) DSC_0007 (640x426) We set up a full bar on our kitchen counter, using a large tin beverage tub for the wine and beer. Bo was the bartender, making mint juleps and bourbon slushies for everyone!

DSC_0011 (640x426) Blue Smoke catered the meat items last night (pulled pork, barbecued chicken, and brisket) while Bo and I cooked the sides and desserts. We also offered three different types of barbecue sauce for guests to use.

DSC_0014 (640x426)Around 7:30, guests realized they could control the music using Bo’s iPad. This turned out to be the tipping point in the party. For the next two hours everyone danced and laughed as we all made fools of ourselves dancing to our favorite songs. People screamed requests and then quickly downloaded or found it on Bo’s iPad! There was more than one Journey session, random Rihanna dance party, and Ludacris rap session!

DSC_0082 (640x426) DSC_0099 (640x426) DSC_0076 (640x426) DSC_0063 (640x426)

Overall, we couldn’t be happier with the outcome of our 2nd Annual Diamond Derby party! Everyone seemed to have a great time, get along, and enjoy the food and drink.

DSC_0050 (640x426) DSC_0049 (640x426) DSC_0048 (640x426) DSC_0042 (640x426) DSC_0054 (640x426) DSC_0056 (640x426) DSC_0110 (640x426)We’re already looking forward to next year’s party and making note of the changes we’ll make including printed invitations, increased portions, and mint juleps by the pitcher!

Question: Did you watch the Kentucky Derby or go to a viewing party?

Share Button
Follow:

Gettin’ Ready to Derby

The weather is finally Spring like in New York City!

IMG_1972 (640x478) IMG_1973 (640x478) It’s a perfect day for party! But first, I had people to see and places to go in order to finish all our last minute errands!  I sipped a delicious iced green tea from 57 Irving early on for the first round of errands.

IMG_1975 (480x640) The second round of errands were done on foot with some super cool sweat stains! I ran from our place, up towards Times Square before turning back down towards Chelsea. I had two stops, Pottery Barn and Williams- Sonoma. Four miles later I was sweaty and probably a bit scary to the innocent shoppers who had to deal with my sweat and smell.

IMG_1981 (480x640) But, after waking up to this crazy mess, Bo and I have taken it from cluttered to shining!

DSC_0207 (640x426) (640x426) DSC_0208 (640x426) (640x426) We finally hung pictures which have been a year in the making featuring memories from our engagement, wedding, honeymoon, and even our trip to Disney World. DSC_0210 (640x426) (640x426)

The hand towels have been put out with care and the new candles have been lit.  DSC_0211 (640x426) (640x426)   Dozens of red roses have been purchased in keeping with the Kentucky Derby theme.

IMG_1978 (640x478)

IMG_1977 (640x478)DSC_0214 (640x426) (640x426) DSC_0215 (640x426) (640x426)The bourbon has been purchased for Mint Juleps, Bourbon slush, and other Southern adult beverages.  DSC_0217 (640x426) (640x426) DSC_0218 (640x426) (640x426)            

Now, it’s time to shower, don my big hat, and get Derby with it!

Share Button
Follow:

Bourbon, Butter, and Cheese

 

It’s officially Derby weekend! IMG_1965 (478x640)

After toasting the weekend, we quickly started cooking!

IMG_1959 (640x478) IMG_1962 (640x478)  IMG_1968 (478x640)

IMG_1905 (478x640) (478x640) IMG_1906 (640x478) (640x478) IMG_1907 (478x640) (478x640) IMG_1908 (478x640) (478x640)  IMG_1909 (640x478) (640x478) IMG_1912 (480x640) (480x640) IMG_1913 (480x640) (480x640) IMG_1916 (640x478) (640x478) IMG_1918 (640x478) (640x478) IMG_1920 (640x478) (640x478)We’ve gone through more butter, cheese, and bourbon tonight than we do in a year. But, it’s all for a good cause and can’t wait until our friends enjoy this delicious food tomorrow!

We still have a great deal to cross off before the first guests arrive at 4:30 tomorrow so I have to get back to business. I’m on mixing duty and silver polishing this evening while Bo makes his mom’s delicious cornbread.

See you tomorrow, if I don’t drown in butter, bourbon, and cheese!

Share Button
Follow:
Share:
Comments Off on Bourbon, Butter, and Cheese