A Weekend of Holidays

I’ve read post after post and blog after blog of people who are excited for this weekend’s big holiday…CINCO DE MAYO! There are so many cute decor ideas, margarita recipes, and pictures of taco bars floating around out there. Pedro say ole!

Now don’t get me wrong. I love Cinco de Mayo! (To be fair, I love any reason to decorate and throw a party.) But if you live in the South and love all things southern like me, you should be way more excited about another “holiday.” Tomorrow is DERBY DAY!!!

I love love love the Kentucky Derby! And over the last few years, we have made it a family tradition to have a little derby party. We even bet on the horses and then have fun ~~yelling~~ cheering at the TV for those glorious 2 minutes. Two years ago, I celebrated with my brother and his best friend at our parents’ house while dog-sitting. We dressed up (me in my sundress and big hat, and the boys in their bow ties), played golf in the front yard, smoked cigars, ate yummy derby food and drank bourbon, and then had margaritas on the deck (it was Cinco de Mayo, after all!).

Last year, derby day fell on my brother’s graduation, so I hosted a little derby pre-party before the graduation celebration. I made baby hot browns, country ham mini biscuits, chicken salad, and mint juleps. There was plenty of bourbon too, of course! We all placed our bets, threw on our derby hats and bow ties, and cheered for our horse!

But the best derby experience was when we went to the Carolina Cup in South Carolina a few years ago. We got a bunch of friends and made the trip to Camden. Thanks to our many years of tailgating experience, we did it right. We had a tent, music, ladder golf, corn hole, and of course, derby food and drinks! We had an amazing spread of chicken salad, pimento cheese, sausage balls, brownies, lemon squares, mint juleps, and Arnold Palmers! Ok, so maybe it’s not all “traditional” fare, but it was good for traveling!

My ultimate goal is to get to the Kentucky Derby one day. But until then, I can’t wait to host a derby party at our new house!! Hopefully by May of next year, it will be looking good and ready for a party!