Kentucky Derby Tablescape
We’re sharing our vintage-inspired Kentucky Derby Tablescape today!
Whenever people come to our home, Journeys End, and spot equestrian touches throughout, they almost always ask about our fascination with horses.
Thankfully, the answer is an easy one.
It all goes back to my Mom’s childhood and her grandpa’s horse, Nelly.
Over the years her love of all things equestrian rubbed off on us. So much so, some of our favorite family memories involve horses.
We all ride (sometimes even on vacation) and the littles take riding lessons as well.
The First Saturday in May…
The Kentucky Derby is typically held on the first Saturday in May.
While we mark the occasion differently each year, (sometimes we’re hosting a Derby party and sometimes we’re attending one) it’s always a fun time.
Since my Mom and I are both big treasure hunters we’ve amassed a fantastic collection of horse trophies over the years.
They’re not easy to come by anymore.
So, whenever we find one at a reasonable price, we’re beyond excited to scoop it up and bring it home.
If you’re curious about collecting horse trophies, they can run anywhere from $25 to well into the thousands depending on the year, the name of the horse, the horse show or race, and of course the material.
Sterling silver horse trophies are usually weighed at the time of sale because the price of silver changes with the market.
Creating a Kentucky Derby tablescape doesn’t have to be complicated or fancy though!
Here are a few easy ideas to consider when designing a Kentucky Derby tablescape of your own…
Kentucky Derby Tablescape & Party Supplies:
- Tabletop horse décor
- Vintage Trophies
- Horse Ribbons
- Horseshoes
- Roses
- Jockey Silks or numbers
- Derby Hats
- Mint Julep Cups
- Moss or Grass Table Runners or Placemats
- Monogrammed Napkins, Silverware, or Glassware
- Signature Cocktails & Easily Accessible Party Foods
Creating an Easy Centerpiece and Table Runner:
To create our Kentucky Derby tablescape, we began by lining the table with moss sheets. You can find them at most big box craft supply stores.
Next, we gathered a few of our favorite horse trophies to create a centerpiece,
and to line the moss table runner.
Once the trophies were in place, we layered in cream-colored roses, hydrangeas, and greenery.
Easy Kentucky Derby Tablescape Place Settings:
Given the center of the table is pretty full already, we decided to keep the place settings simple.
All of the pieces you see here including the chargers were thrifted finds.
Using white dinner plates and changing out your salad or dessert plates is a budget and storage-friendly way to create celebratory tablescapes in any season.
Derby parties seem to run the gamut from fun and festive to sophisticated and elegant.
Run for the Roses…
The traditional flower of the Kentucky Derby is actually a red rose.
But we decided to use white roses and hydrangeas because we had them on hand.
However, my creative friend Carol of Blue Sky At Home created this Derby tablescape with pretty red roses. And Renae from Peacock Ridge put together this elegant Derby tablescape layered with greens and browns.
Both are fabulous if you’re still looking for ideas!
Each year, a garland of more than 400 red roses is sewn into a green satin backing.
The seal of the Commonwealth is on one end and the Twin Spires and the number of the race’s current renewal is on the other.
White and pink roses were used for the first garland in 1896. I’m always amazed at the time and attention they put into sewing the garland together!
Since we’re sharing fun facts about the Kentucky Derby, did you know it’s one of the only sports in which women compete directly against men?
So, whether you’re creating a Kentucky Derby tablescape to host a party, watching with family, wagering friendly bets, or skipping the festivities altogether in favor of snuggling up to watch Secretariat, this weekend is sure to be a festive one.
Let us know how you plan to celebrate in the comments section below!
Many blessings,
CoCo
Beautiful tablescape Coco. I’be always loved your collection of horse trophies and sering them all together makes me want to start collecting them too. They’re really pretty
Going to the Kentucky Derby is on my bucket list Coco. I’ve bought a few trophies from Etsy but it’s always more fun to find them on a treasure hunt.
CoCo – we too love to watch the Kentucky Derby each year. We’re all about the hats and the mint juleps LOL! Much love
Love how you did such an elegant themed table for the Kentucky Derby, Coco! So glad to have you at Homestyle Gathering!
Hi, Coco!
I’m letting you know that your lovely table setting is one of my features at Homestyle Gathering this week. I love watching the Kentucky Derby! Our family was recently discussing the possibility of planning a trip there together one of these years. Thanks for sharing at HG!
>>> Kim
Oh my gosh, Kim, thank you! That’s such a sweet surprise. We love the Derby too and I swear we have never seen a nail biter finish like that before. We’re STILL talking about it ha ha. I definitely hope you get to go one day too. Talk about bucket list dream come true! Thank you again for the feature, hugs, CoCo
This is a fabulous post! As a KY girl I love Equestrian decor and horses. I was just in Lexington, KY yesterday and I enjoyed seeing all of the beautiful farms and gorgeous horses. Here is the post I wrote last year for Derby Day, featuring equestrian style inspo. I think you will like it!
https://followtheyellowbrickhome.com/celebrating-kentucky-derby-day-with-equestrian-style-decor-inspiration/
Thanks for sharing at TFT!
Your Kentucky Derby table scape is absolutely stunning. I love all of the gorgeous and unique pieces you’ve collected over time… and how they all work together so beautifully!
Hi CoCo – I LOVE your collection of vintage/antique horse trophies. They look fabulous on your table. It’s. lovely that you all still ride horses – even on vacation. Thanks for sharing your tips and insights. The painting of the horse rider/jockey is also magnificent. Definitely a keeper.
Thank you, Anna! They’ve taken a while to collect but they’re some of my favorite pieces from our treasure hunting adventures. That painting of the jokey is bananas, isn’t it? The minute I saw all that pink I knew I had to scoop it up! Big hugs, CoCo
I’m so glad you posted this! My parents are trying to downsize and getting rid of things. They have some horse trophies that are probably in the get rid of pile. I will definitely be keeping them. I love this idea!
Oh my gosh, you have to get them out of the donate pile! We use them in vignettes and tablescapes all the time. They’re easier to decorate with than you think. Can’t wait to see what you do with them. Hugs, CoCo
I love the elegance of this tablescape! It’s hard to believe it’s already May and the derby is this weekend!
I know Stacie! It’s crazy to think about how the year is flying by already. Thanks so much for your sweet words on this tablescape. I really appreciate it. Hugs, CoCo
Such a gorgeous tablescape, my friend. So elegant. I love everything that you do. Thank you so much for the feature. Hugs and blessings to you
I was thinking the same thing about you, Renae. I love everything you do too! Your Derby tablescape was really beautiful and I’m happy to share it anytime. Hope you’re having an awesome week. Hugs, CoCo
What a fun tablescape! I always want to do something special for the Derby, but it always ends up sneaking up on me!
I know what you mean, Alexandra. I just sent our family calendar out and by the time you throw in Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day and graduation events – we might be partying all month 😆 Hope your May is a special one too. Hugs, CoCo
Love your Derby table setting and this post! Being from KY, I’m all about the Derby, or I was until we moved! We used to have a party every year, but no one around us here in FL seems to know or care about it, lol!! Every year I say I’m going to at least do a Derby tablescape, but then time gets away from me! Have fun celebrating! Maybe next year I’ll get back into the spirit!!! Hugs, Donna
You never cease to amaze me with your ideas. I love the elegance of some Kentucky Derby parties. Every time I visit you I think of something new I want to collect. Not that I need any help in that department, that is for sure! Thank you for sharing.
I love everything about your Kentucky Derby tablescape, Coco! Our property shares a property line with a horse farm, and I love, love watching them run the pasture. My dad grew up on a farm with horses and some of that rubbed off on me too I guess and now I have a few equestrian touches around here as well.
Thanks so much for sharing! Happiest Day to you,
Niky
Your tablescape is gorgeous, Coco! I particularly love the horse trophy peeking through the greenery in your centerpiece. Believe it or not, I have never watched the Kentucky Derby until this year. We had visited Churchill Downs last August so were excited to watch the Derby on tv. What a gorgeous scene! So much color and personality, and, of course, beautiful horses! Your table really got me in the mood!
Kudos on creating such a fun tablescape for the kentucky Derby. I have never created a special table for this event. You have some awesome collections. I am happy to feature your lovely table at love Your Creativity Coco. Big hugs and happy Sunday.