Dear Friends,
The Kentucky Derby is May 3rd, and once again, it’s the perfect occasion for a party! This week’s Dish will give you recipes and pro tips you need to cross the finish line … effortlessly!
Gathering the people you love can be fun for YOU, and Effortless Entertaining … my book, the workshop, and my speaking engagements show you how! Even better than the pro tips I offer below for a Derby Party, we will tackle every aspect of how you entertain.
I’m scheduling speaking engagements for Fall, 2025 and 2026 … Let’s talk!
Riders Up!
Let’s Style Up Your Derby Party! … 🏇

Check out stylish cocktail napkins and stirrers here.
How to Squeeze and Freeze Juices! 🍊🧊

Check out today’s Instagram for my tips on using fresh-squeezed juices.
More tips!
- For the Mint Juleps you can prep ahead and add the bourbon and mix for each drink.
- Offer other beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. We like to offer a full bar so everyone is happy!
- Source locally for anything you don’t want to make … ham biscuits, brownies, lemon squares. Even though EE offers recipes for homemade brownies and lemon squares, I often procure from my favorite local sources and, I never make ham biscuits!
- Choose the choices of bread you prefer. I love Pepperidge Farm Very Thin White bread. Along with your sandwiches, offer your salads without bread and with gluten-free crackers.
- Offer small bowls of mixed nuts, cheese straws, and M&M’s. Guests love to nibble!
I hope you enjoy your Derby Party and every other party you’d like to host!
From our home to yours,
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KENTUCKY DERBY MENU
- Mint Julep
- Mint Julep Mocktail
- Top Hat Crab Cakes with Spicy Remoulade
- Ham Biscuits — Source locally!
- Three Cheese Pimento Cheese Sandwiches on Pepperidge Farm Very Thin White Bread
- Cucumber Spread
- Cape Cod Potato Chips
- Irwin’s Super Brownies
- Lemon Squares



