Saturday, April 14, 2012

Racing to get ready!







I have been in a race
to get ready for a
Kentucky Derby Party
for the last few weeks.






 Our school district 
hosts an
 annual tour of four homes 
that is held every spring.
They sell tickets for the event
 to raise money for school project grants, 
new equipment, and to fill the
 special educational needs of the 
teachers in our classrooms.
(Things that don't make it into annual budgets.)





And this year,
Jenn, my antiques business partner, 
and I were asked to stage
 a couple rooms in
one of the four homes
on tour that day.












We decided on vintage derby style 
since the event takes place
 a day or two 
before the Kentucky Derby
Run for the Roses.








We will stage the dining room,   
the kitchen table,
and kitchen counters and island areas.







Thought it might be fun 
to share some snippets  
 of the items piling up 
on my dining room table this week.


You will have to use your imagination
as to how it will all come together!








I will take a lot of photos
once everything is in place.



In the meantime,
looks like I need to get
my silver polish out
and start shining up
some of these things!








Are you planning to attend or host
a Kentucky Derby party this year?

Any ideas you care to share!?!
(I am all ears)
:)













30 comments:

Kim @ Savvy Southern Style said...

Oh, what fun. I bet your styling will be fabulous. Can't wait to see the pictures.

Tartan Terrace said...

Looking forward to seeing all of the photos. This job is right up your alley and I know it will be fabulous!

NanaDiana said...

Oh- I can't wait to see what you gals do. There is not much done here in the Midwest for the Kentucky Derby, but we do shows like that in homes for Christmas walks and a Spring walk. You will have a ball! xo Diana

FABBY'S LIVING said...

It sounds terrific! Can't wait to see the real thing, you'd probably be a fabulous host Alison, I just know it! Good luck with the preparations pretty girl.
FABBY

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

I love the Derby, it is so fun. No party this year, but I have been to several wonderful ones. Can't wait to see what you do, I know it will be fabulous. Looks like some wonderful things in your pics. Hugs, Marty

Sarah said...

Alison, can't wait to see what you and Jenn put together for this party. Wish I could visit on this home tour. I bet this is going to be one special event! Clever idea to focus on the Derby. No ideas to share. Attending the Derby is on my list, but I've never even been to a Derby party. Looks like you have it all covered from the looks of the treasures you've pulled together. If I lived close by, I'd offer to polish the silver. I love to polish metals. Odd, I know! LOL
Have fun and take tons of photos to share. ~ sarah

Calypso In The Country said...

Oh what fun, Alison! I am looking forward to seeing the final pictures. Every year our MOMS club has a Kentucky Derby party. This year we didn't plan one and I am disappointed because we always have such a great time. Now you got me thinking I should host somthing...Let's see, can I throw something together in a couple weeks?...hmmm.
-Shelley

La Maison des Plaines said...

Hi! Alison,

Congrats! on the hosting event for the Derby party. You will both do an amazing job and have a great time at the party ;o)Do tell? lol Maybe some horseshoe shaped ice cubes for the drinks? I like that :o)

Just love all your photos. My eye caught the riding boots with forms...Love that! The table pieces are fabulous too.

Thanks! for sharing. Have fun!

Blessings & Hugs,
Marlene

Ricki Treleaven said...

What a fun idea for a party! I hope y'all have a great time. I know that it will be so pretty based on what you've shared so far. I want to see lots of photos from the big event! Your home is the perfect backdrop for a Derby party!

xo,
RJ

Robin@DecoratingTennisGirl said...

You gals will do great! Can't wait for the pics. I so wish I were closer so I could do the tour!
xoxo

Alison @ The Polohouse said...

I am not hosting my home on the tour and there is no actual party, just a staging for a pretend party!

Right now we are trying to figure out how to make faux ice cubes to sit in julep glasses all day without melting!!!

Any ideas?

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Going to the derby is one of the things on my bucket list. I want a mint julep in one of the cups so I can keep it!
I can't wait to see the photos...I am sure it will be stunning!

Tina said...

I can't wait to see how you bring it all together. I am sure it will be beautiful.

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend.

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Oh Alison I can't wait to see the pics, that sounds like so much fun!! I know your going to do a fabulous job!

Babs said...

Alison, it sounds like a lot of work, but a lot of fun. You can order acrylic ice cubes. I'll email you the link. Looking forward to seeing the displays.

michele said...

omg. how fun is that theme for YOU!?! it's going to be fabulous, and what an honor.

love to you.

michele

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Since we moved to Ohio, we thought we might actually go to the Kentucky Derby this year, Alison. We did decide though that since our anniversary is on the Saturday to wait and go next year. It definitely seems like one of those things you'd like to go to at least once in your life. Plus, I need to get a fabulous hat! : ) Looking forward to seeing your pictures. I'm sure it will all look wonderful!

The enchanted home said...

What a fun theme to decorate around...love anything equestrian related. Cannot wait to see it all. No not going to a party but think its a great party idea!

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

No derby party here,but you are the perfect person to host one!
I can always remember it seemed it happened on my Grandfathers bday. I can see him sitting in his chair watching it to this day.

Your touch will be a winner for sure!

Richard Cottrell said...

Hats, ladies hats. Next to England, the derby, brings out more fancy hats than any other event in the Us. Big and fancy over the top hats. Richard from My Old Historic House.

Savannah Granny said...

Looking forward to your touch of simple elegance. DO take lots of pics. xo Ginger

The French Hutch said...

Oh Alison, can't wait for your photos. No derby party here but I have just returned from the Parade of Homes and I enjoyed the professionally decorated homes. So much oooohing and ahhhing! I might add your goblets had me ooohing and ahhing too. I'm sure you are having fun with this.

~Emily
the French Hutch

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Alison, this looks like so much fun! I am sure that whatever you put together will be fabulous! This is so you!! Please be sure to share lots of pictures!

Carlene @ Organized Clutter said...

I think you are off to a good start with your decor. I can't think of anything, that's for sure. Can't wait to see the finished rooms!

gail peterson said...

How fun! We have the opening day of the Del Mar Races here in So.Cal but no party planned!
I have an idea though for you! I have a foam horse shoe that I was going to decorate with flowers. It would be perfect for your theme.. Check a floral supply for a form. Or you could make your own. It would be stunning with fresh flowers...Look forward to seeing your rooms*
xo,
Gail
Casualloveselegance.blogspot.cpm

Shirley@Housepitality Designs said...

Well they certainly chose the right person for the job...Sounds like a lot of fun and for a great cause..At first I thought you were going to say that your house would be on tour...If that were the case, I was booking a ticket!!!

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Oh, I am picturing it all in my minds eye right now. I know whatever you do it will be fabulous. I would search for faux ice cubes, the decorators use them all the time. Have fun and do take LOTS of pics:):) Can't wait to see them all. XO, Pinky

Karen said...

Alison,
What fun. I'll be eager to see what you and your partner put together. I am attending a luncheon at a friend's house, complete with hats and mint julep's.
Fun stuff.
Karen

Debbiedoos said...

Good for you...how fun that will be Allison! I have to add you back to my blog roll...I got lost around here since I moved to word press.

Anonymous said...

I live in KY and will be attending the Oaks (race before the Derby) and yes I will be wearing a hat! Also hosting a "pre"Derby party on the 28th. Could really use your ideas for tablescape. Please post ASAP!