Buy a few smaller buckets for food and let your guests fill their plates and cups from the buckets. Decorate your home with red roses, real or artificial, and bring out all the silver you own. Set up a bookmaker's table and have everyone place bets on their favorite horses. Have a hat contest for the ladies. Give roses to the guest who chooses the winning horse.
Kentucky food is simple and hearty.
The following traditional Derby recipes are sure to please your guests. Go ahead and buy a gallon of bourbon. What you don't use in these recipes will heighten the merriment of your guests. In large saucepan, mix mint leaves, sugar and water until sugar is completely dissolved. Strain and cool.