Run for the Roses (and the Ribbons): Derby Decor That Wins Every Time

Last Updated on May 1, 2025 by Canny Costumes

Because the only thing more competitive than the race is your tablescape.

Alright, party planner extraordinaire — so you’ve got the mint juleps on ice, the big hats ready for their Instagram close-up, and you’ve Googled “how to sound like you understand horse racing.” You’re almost there.

But wait — what about the decor?

Listen, the Kentucky Derby isn’t just “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.” It’s also a fabulous excuse to throw a party that struts like a thoroughbred and sparkles like sequins on a Sunday hat. Whether you’re hosting on your porch, in your backyard, or inside where the air conditioning doesn’t judge you, your Derby decor deserves to make jaws drop and Pinterest boards weep.

So saddle up, sugar — here’s how to decorate your Derby bash like a Southern belle on a mission.

🎀 1. Color Me Fancy: Pick Your Derby Palette

First things first: let’s talk colors. The classic Derby palette is as bold and bougie as the crowd at Churchill Downs. Think:

• Red and pink (in honor of the iconic garland of roses)
• Mint green (a nod to those mint juleps we love)
• Black and white (to channel race-day fashion)
• Gold (because you’re a winner, darling)

Use this color combo across everything — from table linens to drink stirrers. When in doubt, just ask yourself: Would this look amazing in a hat shop? If yes, you’re on the right track.

🐎 2. Centerpieces That Deserve a Trophy

Let’s be real — the centerpiece is the main event. This is your moment to wow your guests before they even notice your bourbon breath.

Ideas that gallop ahead:

• Mini horse figurines spray-painted gold and nestled among roses
• Mason jars filled with red roses and tied with gingham or ribbon
• Upside-down Derby glasses with toy horses “running” on top
• A DIY julep bar centerpiece with fresh mint in vases, flanked by cute signs like “Saddle Up” or “Pour Decisions Ahead”

Pro tip: Incorporate height by using cake stands, vintage books, or even upside-down champagne buckets. Fancy is a mindset.

🥂 3. Table Settings Fit for a Southern Queen

You don’t need fine china. You just need the illusion of elegance with a dash of Southern sass.

Go for:

• Charger plates (even the plastic ones) to up the glam
• Cloth napkins or gingham-printed paper ones tied with mini ribbon bows
• Printable place cards shaped like horseshoes or jockey silks (bonus: use guests’ “jockey names” for extra fun)
• Themed drinkware — julep cups, vintage glasses, or customized Solo cups that say “Talk Derby to Me”

Don’t forget paper straws with flags that say “Y’all!” — it’s the little things that say, I spent 3 hours on Etsy for this.

🌹 4. DIY Garland of Roses (Without Crying Over Florist Prices)

The actual Derby winner gets draped in 554 red roses. You? You just need enough to convince your guests you understand the assignment.

Budget-friendly ideas:

• Use silk or faux roses to create a table runner
• Weave roses into bunting to hang across the bar
• Drape a faux rose garland across a photo backdrop (don’t worry, we’ll get to that)

If you’re feeling ambitious, make your own rose garland with fishing line and floral tape. Or just hot glue them to literally anything. In Derby decor, more is more.

📸 5. Photo Booth: Where the Magic (and Hats) Happen

People come for the horses. They stay for the selfies.

Create a simple but fabulous photo backdrop using:

• A hedge wall or artificial turf as your base
• A garland of roses and ribbon draped across the top
• Signs that say “Talk Derby to Me,” “Off to the Races,” or “Bless Your Betting Heart”
• Props like oversized sunglasses, bow ties, paper hats, horse masks, or even a stick horse or two

Place a chalkboard nearby for guests to write their horse name (first pet + childhood street = “Snickers Mulberry,” anyone?). Insta-gold.

🐴 6. Betting Station Meets Decor Goals

Yes, betting is part of the Derby fun — and no, it doesn’t have to be messy or confusing.

Turn your betting table into a cute display:

• Use a chalkboard or framed print to list the horses
• Print betting slips (there are tons of free templates online!)
• Use mini envelopes or a DIY trophy box to collect bets
• Decorate the area with gold coins, horse ribbons, and tiny trophies

Label the area “Winners Circle” — and watch your guests fight over pretend money like it’s the stock exchange.

🎩 7. Don’t Forget the Hats! (Yes, They’re Decor Too)

Set up a “Hat Station” with:

• Dollar store fascinators
• Clip-on flowers and feathers
• Hot glue guns (supervised, of course — we’re hosting, not running an ER)

Add a sign: “Forgot Your Hat? We’ve Got Your Head Covered.”

Bonus idea: Use extra hats as wall decor! Hang them with fishing wire or command hooks around your space to create a chic and cheeky Derby vibe.

🏆 Final Furlong: Make It Fancy and Fun

You don’t have to spend a fortune or hire an interior decorator named “Sissy” to make your Derby party decor unforgettable. Just channel the spirit of the South: bold, beautiful, and a little bit bougie.

If it sparkles, twirls, or says “Y’all” in glitter, it belongs. If it makes someone say “Wait, you made this?” — you’ve won the race. No matter who crosses the finish line first, your decor will be the true champion.