Get ready to don your fanciest hats and sip on a mint julep, because the Kentucky Derby is galloping our way! Known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” this iconic horse race, held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, has been a thrilling tradition since its inaugural run in 1875. Founded by Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., the grandson of William Clark of the famous Lewis and Clark expedition, the Derby was inspired by European racing events like the Epsom Derby in England. Over the years, it’s grown into a cultural phenomenon, blending Southern charm, high-stakes racing, and a whole lot of style—those extravagant hats are practically a sport of their own!
For me, the Kentucky Derby is personal. Growing up, my family made countless trips to Kentucky to visit my Grandmother E.R. in Frankfort. Those visits were filled with adventures, from exploring Louisville and the historic Churchill Downs to heading to Lexington to see my uncle, a talented architect and interior designer. One of my favorite memories was driving along Old Frankfort Pike, a scenic road that winds through the heart of Bluegrass country. With its rolling hills, sprawling horse farms, and miles of classic wooden fences, it’s a love letter to Kentucky’s equestrian soul. As a horse lover, those trips sparked a lifelong passion for the Derby’s magic. So of course, we’re celebrating this year’s Run for the Roses with a fabulous table and of course, a mint julep!
Find Your Inspiration…
Well of course, red roses. I mean, after all it is the “Run for the Roses!” ! I only break out red roses for Derby tables—and maybe Christmas. Otherwise, I’m just not a red roses kinda gal?
Select a Color Palette…
Can you even do a Derby table without red? I mean, you could, but why would you? Since my last post played with complementary colors purple and yellow, I’m sticking with that theme and adding green—red’s complement (not compliment, don’t get it twisted!). For extra flair, I’m using the traditional Churchill Downs colors: black and white. Classic, neutral, and oh-so-Derby!
Make it All About the Patterns…
Roses, roses, everywhere! Since I’m not draping a garland of roses (though one day, I might just go for it), I chose a vintage eBay tablecloth in perfect condition, with a rose pattern that screams Derby garland vibes and a border in just the right shade.
I paired it with new red napkins from Mark and Graham—love that ruffle! You could use them for Christmas, the 4th of July, or even a random Taco Tuesday! Their patterns are so fun and so versatile—just watch for sales!
For a medium print, I topped my stack with Perfect Day Equestrian salad plates by CE Corey. They’re more English fox hunt than Derby, but with a rider, a horse, and red and green hues, they’re perfect in my book! Plus, they give the eye a fun little visual break.
Pick Your Stack…
With my salad plates set, I leaned into the red-and-green theme since the CE Corey border is green. I thought about adding black but decided to keep it festive and focused. No placemat here—I didn’t want to hide those gorgeous roses on the tablecloth—so I started with a green Bordallo Pinheiro Lemon Leaf charger for contrast against the scalloped salad plates.
Next, a red dinner plate! As a Georgia girl (born and raised, even with my step-mom’s Kentucky roots), I’m nodding to my home state with my Georgia Historical Plates. Quick backstory: in 1933, the Transylvania Club of Sandersville, Georgia, celebrated its 25th anniversary and Georgia’s bicentennial with these plates, designed by Annie Louise Irvin. She meticulously researched, consulting professors and experts to select 12 historic Georgia subjects. She then crafted a distinctive border featuring cotton, peaches, Cherokee roses, and long-leaf pine needles, accented by the state seal and other historical vignettes. Originally made by Wedgwood, now by Belleek, they were named Georgia’s official historical plates in 1974. They’ve been used at the Governor’s Mansion, the White House, and even by England’s royal family! If you’re in Georgia, you can find them in shops statewide—I’ve got all 12 in red, three in blue, and I’m dying to see the mulberry version in person. Anyone know where I can spot them IRL?
And now, back to our regularly scheduled program: the stack! Well, just the topper—the salad, which you’ve seen before, but here it is, stealing the show atop the stack. I’m obsessed with this stack! The vibrant red and green combo is so playful and fresh, without even a hint of Christmas vibes!
Select the Linens…
With the rose tablecloth and napkins ready, I hit a small snag: the tablecloth barely covered my table’s edge. So, I layered a green-and-white check tablecloth underneath to peek out and add length. On a larger table, I’d love the check to drape to the floor with the roses as a topper—maybe next year!
Napkin rings were a saga. I found the perfect ones at an estate sale, but—plot twist—I only had two. I’ve been hunting for more with no luck, so if you spot any, pretty please let me know! I used them anyway, mixing in two Department 56 rings that remind me of stirrups. I’m clinging to this theme like a jockey to a racehorse!
Time for Glassware & Flatware…
Kentucky Derby Commemorative glasses are an estate sale staple, and I’ve got a collection to prove it! The history of the Kentucky Derby glasses began with unremarkable origins, as the first 1938 glasses were actually water glasses. According to racetrack folklore, the glasses were so popular that they disappeared from the tables in the track’s dining rooms. Track management decided to charge dining room patrons an extra .25 cents if they wanted to keep the glasses.
Interestingly enough, until 1974, only Churchill Downs sold Derby glasses, making the limited supply the perfect collectible. After 1974, retail outlets began selling the glasses in honor of the 100th Derby. If you would like to add the 2025 glass to your collection you can find a single one here or a set of four here.
So of course I had to use some of mine! I stuck to those that had the red, green, and black.
I also couldn’t resist my Towle silver mint julep cups, another estate sale gem. They were boxed, never opened—or so I thought. When I unwrapped them, they were engraved with “Derby Day”! Kismet, right? Usually, I’m better at inspecting boxed items, but this time, my oversight paid off—phew! (Excuse my photography skills regarding silver, this was the best I could do!)
I could have stopped there, but I had these new champagne glasses that I was impatient to use. They are Killarney by Tiffin. When I used google image to identify them I learned that there are many Killarney varieties out there with different stems. This version happens to be stem 15074 and it’s fabulous. I have a lot of green glasses, but this shade was just fabulous.
Hmmmmm? Flatware? Do I go traditional silver since I had the silver mint julep cups? Do I go with color? Yep! Color! I pulled out my red pearl handled flatware that I found on eBay. I’ve had so much fun with these! There is service for 4 on Amazon that are almost identical. I have the Cathylin from Amazon in almost every color available. You can also find a set by Napolean at Neiman Marcus or the Vietri set at Amazon and a few other online sites.
Centerpiece Magic…
I have a bin in my storage closet labeled “Kentucky Derby,” packed with treasures like my commemorative glasses and a horse statue I snagged (yep, at an estate sale—shocker!). I also swiped a second horse that belonged to my daughter Lauren—her Barbies needed horses since she was a rider herself! It’s a Derby table; a horse is non-negotiable, right? Paired with my fabulous horse napkin rings, they’re the stars of the show! I tucked some red rose napkin rings into a little feed bucket for extra pop, but I’m thinking the grass base needs more green to stand out against the horse. Maybe next year I’ll give it a little zhuzh!
Then on to the flowers. I decided to be a little different and not use red roses, just kidding, red roses are a necessity IMO. At first, I thought about using hats with flowers, but then I decided to get creative and make an arrangement that mimicked one of the hat shapes often seen at the Derby.
I have to admit, the fashion at the Derby is my absolute favorite. I’m thinking this year I may select a few of my favorite looks and use those as an inspiration for next year’s table. I think that would be so much fun! WE will see if that comes to fruition. Time is always a challenge.
I used this DIY pedestal to elevate my arrangement. It was so easy to make. I just found glass candlesticks and a glass platter then glued them together with E6000. I’ll see if I can find the materials and make another one to show the steps, but it’s so easy! Just make sure that you don’t use some rare crystal or EAPG (Early American Patterned Glass) to create it. Someone might cry. Lol
From there I used red roses, boxwood, vintage jade and these long fronds of some unknown plant. I just kept adding until I got the shape I wanted then topped off with the “ribbon” fronds. (I treated them like ribbon and gave them a curl by wrapping them around my finger.) It turned out even better than I’d hoped!
The Final Touches…
Checklist time to see if I’m photo-ready:
♥ Height variation? Check! From the centerpiece to the glasses, it’s got levels like Churchill Downs’ seating—Matt Winn’s Steakhouse to the Homestretch Club.
♥ Colors balanced? Check! Red dominates, green supports, and black-and-white pops keep it Derby, not Christmas-y.
♥ Inviting and functional? Check! This table’s ready for mint juleps, Kentucky Hot Browns, and a slice of Derby Pie.
♥ Something unexpected? Check! The mix of vintage Derby glasses with sleek, engraved silver mint julep cups blends nostalgia and sophistication—a fun twist!
Capture the Look…
I hope my table captures the spirit of this beloved tradition with a heartfelt nod to my Kentucky connection. From the vintage Derby glasses that spark memories of Churchill Downs to the elegant silver mint julep cup that adds a touch of Southern sophistication, every detail was chosen to weave together nostalgia and celebration. I hope this setup inspires you to create your own Derby magic—cheers to fast horses, good company, and timeless traditions!
From My Table to Yours,
Melissa
