Hosting a Kentucky Derby Party? DIY It Like a Winner! A Kentucky Native Shows You How

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Planning on watching the Kentucky Derby this Saturday? (FYI: My money’s on Union Rags!)

To prepare for the festivities, I went straight to a native Kentuckian for a local’s take on a Derby party. Deanna from Mirabelle Creations shares with us step-by-step tips for recreating her “Run for the Roses” party inspired by the traditional garland the winning horse is draped in.

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Dessert Table

No time to bake an elaborate themed dessert for your Derby party? Turn a simple cake (or pie) into a festive Derby themed treat with mini bunting. Your guests will be impressed, but you won’t have spend the afternoon in the kitchen, which makes you the big winner!

Get the look with these step-by-step instructions for mini bunting and rose garland.

Photo: Mirabelle Creations
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You'll Need

The Mirabelle Creations bunting template, scissors, ribbon glue dots (double sided tape or a glue stick works, too), two straws (or lollipop sticks or wooden skewers).
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Cut Out The Template

Deanna's designed one just for you. Print the bunting template and carefully cut it out.
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Make The Pennants

Fold each flag in half (on the white line).
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Assemble The Pieces

Cut approximately 12 inches of ribbon. Place one glue dot on the inside of the first flag near the crease. Place ribbon just above the glue dot and press down. Repeat with each flag, spacing flags evenly.
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Finishing Touches

Tie the ends of the ribbon to the top ends of each of the straws, close to the flags.
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Top It Off

Place bottom of straws into your dessert.
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Repeat If Necessary

Looks great in both cakes and pies!
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"Run For The Roses" Garland How-to

Skip the fresh flowers and make crepe paper roses several days in advance so you can relax the day of your party.
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Red Crepe Paper

Cut a piece of crepe paper, approximately 24 inches in length.
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Rosey Beginnings

About five inches from one end, crease the paper down at a 45-degree angle.
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Start With A Bud

Starting from the right side, make a small roll.
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Build The Bud

Turn the crepe paper a 180-degree turn, toward the inside. If you’d like a firmer hold you can add a small drop of glue after each turn. Continue to roll the crepe paper strip, around the center, making 180-degree turns, until there is about 3 inches left of the paper.
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Make Buds As Large As Desired

Bring the remaining 3 inches of crepe paper to the back of the rose and twist to the back of the rose. You can rip off any leftover portion of the crepe paper.
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Finishing Touches

Cut a piece of ribbon the length of your desired garland. Attach crepe paper rose to ribbon, using a glue dot. Repeat with as many roses as desired.

Click here to download Mirabelle Creation’s free printables and delicious recipes.

Want the perfect mint julep recipe? Try ours.


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05/02/12, , Comments:0
About the author:

Sarah Newell is a design junkie with a serious chair habit. Yup, chairs are her weak spot. She's rarely seen a chair she doesn't want to buy. She also makes a mean apple pie and is currently obsessed with polka dots, anything sparkly and neon colors. You'll find her scouring flea markets, home stores and online boutiques for great finds at affordable prices. read more