Tim and Lori Laird are Food & Dining Magazine’s officially designated Entertaining Editors-at-Large, co-writers of our “Easy Entertaining” column.
Brunch, the best of breakfast and lunch combined, makes for a great party. It can be celebrated any time for any occasion, but Derby Day seems the quintessential reason for brunch. Bring together local friends and out-of-town guests for a mid-morning meal before going to the track. Everyone can mingle and trade their best betting tips, tell tales about past races and compliment each other’s hats. Fortified with good food, a few modest drinks to start the day and plenty of good cheer, it’s off to the races!
Derby Day Brunch can be easy and affordable and can be adapted for a small, intimate group or a large party. It also gives you the perfect opportunity to bring out all your Derby-themed party gear — invitations styled to look like parimutuel tickets, your Derby glasses collection, horseshoe-shaped serving trays, jockey silk coasters, and fresh red roses.
For brunches, we like to set up a Bloody Mary Station, and for Derby Day Brunch, we like to serve Bourbon as the spirit of choice (but you can offer vodka, too, for traditionalists, or...Read more
