real parties | Derby Bash 2nd Birthday Party - Leslie Marshall

I'm taking bets "across the board" that you will love the details of this Kentucky Derby inspired 2nd birthday party sent in by Leslie of Jar of Vintage Buttons. 
It's a party in a "class of its own"...
Complete with a mint julep station for the adults, this party manages to combine a casual/girly feel
with a splash of vintage whimsy for the enjoyment of both kids and adults.


Party Girl: Leslie
Celebration Type: 2nd Birthday Party
Theme: Kentucky Derby
Inspiration: Her daughter Kate's birth date
Color Palette: Soft pink and silver/gray


And we're off....
Now sit back for a "bit" and enjoy taking it all in...

    

  

  

And could the little "filly"/birthday girl be any more cute!!??

There are so many things to love about this party.

Leslie did a wonderful job with all of the super cute diy elements and party details.

It's a unique, adorable theme!!

I LOVE the turnout Leslie!!

Thanks for sharing with all of us!!!

My Favorite Details

• DIY cupcake stands complete with glass cover
• Derby Pie Favors
• The use of burlap-type material used for runners and diy ribbons

Here's the full scoop in Leslie's own words...

The Kentucky Derby is quoted as being the most exciting two minutes in sports. We knew 2 years ago when our sweet Kate was born that the Kentucky Derby would be landing on her birthday several times since it is always the first Saturday in May. So, for her 2nd birthday, nothing seemed more fitting than a good old Kentucky Derby celebration!

Party Inspiration

I researched a TON online, but didn't find a ton of inspiration specifically for Derby parties. I incorporated ideas found on Pinterest too. I knew I wanted soft pinks and grays for the palette and really ran with that. I used a lot of items I already owned and borrowed a lot from my mom. Our silver julep glasses were gifted to me and my husband as a wedding gift, we used my mom's antique beverage cart, our old Shabby Chic quilt from our spare bed, Kate's clothing dresser and borrowed glass jars from a friend's wedding help set the scene.

DIY details

Trying to be as DIY as I could I crafted the cupcake stands from an upside down vase, candle stick holder and candle plate from the Dollar Tree. The milk jars are repurposed from Starbucks jars. 

Sweets, Treats & Eats

Inspiration from Jess at Pen n' Paperflowers on her marvelous homemade lollipops! 

My mom helped make the most DELICIOUS mini hot browns I've ever had. (The recipe for the hot browns can be found here.) Another Kentucky favorite! We also had cut fruit served in waffle cones, beer cheese, country ham and biscuits and even mint julep cupcakes.

Beverages

A mint julep station was set up for those brave enough to try them! For those who weren't we had other beverages, including Kentucky's favorite soft drink, Ale 8.

Party Favors

Individual Derby pies were given to all of the guests as thank yous.

Extra Party Details

For a $1 everybody picked a horse name from a hat and the winner took all! The weather was a little cool and cloudy but the sun came out just in time to sing happy birthday and to shine on my old Kentucky home.

Vendors/Resources:

Party Styling: Jar of Vintage Buttons
Photography: Sophia Blue Photography
Flowers: The Secret Garden
Tie Napkins: Modern Lola
Cupcakes on stands: Abby Girl Sweets
Birthday Girl Tutu: Dear Lillie
Horse & Horseshoe tags: Modern Scrapyard


Recipes Links:
Mint Julep Cupcakes: Hostess with the Mostess
Baby Hot Brown Recipe: Southern Living
Homemade Lollipops: Pen N' Paperflowers
Pink Lemonade Cake: Pen N' Paperflowers


DIY Links:
Cupcake Stands - Jar of Vintage Buttons
Treat Buckets - Jar of Vintage Buttons
Equestrian Ribbon Invitations - Jar of Vintage Buttons