The Sunday Edit | No. 14: The Kentucky Derby Party Guide
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Run for the Roses
Run for the roses, Southern charm, and the simple pleasures of a Derby Day table.
"I never met a Kentuckian who wasn't either thinking about going home or actually going home."
- Happy Chandler
If you missed our issue on "The Garden Party," you can catch up on No. 13 here.
In This Issue:
The Sunday Journal: Kentucky Bluegrass
April 19, 2026
Hello friends, and welcome to the 14th edition of The Sunday Edit.
There is a specific kind of magic that arrives in mid-April. In Seattle, it's the week the cherry blossoms begin to surrender to the green of the trees, and the first garden greens are beginning to grow in earnest. But in the kitchen, my mind is already wandering south to the bluegrass of Kentucky, one of my favorite places to visit.
The quilts in Paducah, the softly rolling hills, and, of course, Churchill Downs.
With the first Saturday in May fast approaching, my Pinterest feed is suddenly awash in red roses and seersucker. If you've been around 31 Daily for a while, you know the Kentucky Derby is one of my favorite traditions to celebrate. It's about more than a two-minute race; it's the Southern hospitality, the storied traditions, and, of course, the hats.
Whether you're planning a full-scale garden party or just want a festive treat for race day, let's take a look at Derby Day.
Happy Sunday.
At the Table: The Derby Favorites
If there is one recipe that defines the Derby for our community, it is the Kentucky Derby Bars. They have the gooey chocolate-and-pecan soul of a traditional Derby Pie but are infinitely easier to serve to a crowd. I love making these a day ahead-they actually slice better after a night in the fridge!
On the menu:
- The Main Event: I spent last weekend refreshing one of our oldest, most cherished recipes: Kentucky Burgoo. This hearty "everything-but-the-kitchen-sink" stew is a true Kentucky tradition. Other classic meals include Kentucky Hot Brown and finger foods.
- New this Week: Last Friday, I published a brand new post, Kentucky Butter Cake. It's incredibly moist, infused with a buttery glaze, and is the perfect elegant-yet-simple dessert to anchor your party table.
- The Sips: It wouldn't be Churchill Downs without a julep. If you're looking for a family-friendly option, our Non-Alcoholic Mint Julep is always a hit.
For more menu ideas, be sure to browse through our Kentucky Derby Recipes, all complete with Southern charm.
Kentucky Derby Bars
Inspired by classic derby pie, these rich dessert bars feature a buttery shortbread crust topped with a gooey pecan chocolate filling.
READER REVIEW: ★★★★★
"These bars are amazing and so easy!! I will never make Kentucky Derby Pie again, too much work!"
The Gathering: A Run for the Roses
Hosting a Derby party is really about leaning into the "Run for the Roses" aesthetic.. You don't need an elaborate setup to make it feel special:
- Red Roses Everywhere: Even a simple grocery store bouquet of red roses, cut short and placed in silver-toned julep cups or mint julep tins, feels instantly authentic.
- The Dress Code: If you're gathering friends, encourage the hats and fascinators! It's the one day of the year where "too much" is just right.
- The "Race Day" Hub: If you need a checklist for invitations, decorations, or a full Southern menu, I've updated our main Kentucky Derby Collection to help you plan with ease.
A Few Favorites
Note from Stephanie
There's something beautiful about traditions that bridge the gap between generations. Whether it's a recipe passed down or a race that has run for over 150 years, these milestones help us mark the passage of spring.
As you move through the week ahead, I hope you find a moment to appreciate the slow build of the season.
Wishing you a lovely, restful Sunday morning.
Stephanie
At the Table | 31Daily
Explore the Derby Collection:
Browse through our Kentucky Derby recipe collections, or take a look at these reader favorites:
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