Derby Day party theme
Plan a Derby Day party theme with a two-bowl frozen drink machine: peach margarita and lemonade bowls, big hats, a kids slushie, food, games, and printables.
A Derby Day party theme gets a Texas twist with a frozen drink machine pouring Peach Margarita and frozen Lemonade, big hats, and roses. Keep the Lemonade bowl alcohol-free and it doubles as the kids slushie.
The look
Garden party elegance: red roses, pastel seersucker, kelly green, and white.
- Red roses in silver cups or mason jars
- A green "turf" runner (faux grass) under the machine
- Pastel bunting and a "Winner's circle" sign
- Horseshoes as table accents
- A hat rack by the door for anyone who forgot theirs
- Dress code on the invitation: "Hats and seersucker encouraged"
The two bowls
| Option | Bowl 1 | Bowl 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Southern porch | Peach Margarita | Lemonade |
| Rose garden | Strawberry Margarita | Peach Bellini |
| Bubbly box seats | Peach Bellini | Frosé |
| Classic and sweet | Lime Margarita | Lemonade |
Frozen Lemonade works as a slushie as is, or adults can add their spirit of choice to a batch. Our frozen drink recipes page shows how batching works for each mix.
Kids slushie bowl
Every mix is alcohol-free until you add alcohol. The simplest plan: Peach Margarita for adults in one bowl and alcohol-free Lemonade in the other for kids and non-drinkers. For a big party, rent a second machine with Lemonade and Cherry so the kids have two colors. Label every bowl, and add "21 and up" to the adult side.
Rim and garnish
- Sweet Heat Cocktail Sugar on the Peach Margarita
- Lime Margarita Salt on a lime margarita
- Chocolate Cocktail Sugar on kids Lemonade cups for a sweet treat
Garnish with fresh mint sprigs, lemon wheels, and peach slices. Mint on a frozen Lemonade gives a nod to the classic derby drink.
Food ideas
- Pimento cheese sandwiches and benedictine style cucumber sandwiches
- Ham biscuits with honey butter
- Fried chicken bites or chicken salad on crackers
- Pecan pie bars and chocolate chip cookies
- A big bowl of strawberries
Games and activities
- Hat contest: categories for biggest, most flowers, and best homemade.
- Pick the winner: guests choose a horse on a paper ticket before the race, and the winner gets first refill (bragging rights only, no money).
- Stick horse races: kids race in heats across the yard.
- Best dressed pair: vote with a rose dropped in a cup.
Printables
Create a garden party invitation on our party invite page. Then print:
- Bowl labels: "Winner's circle (21 and up)" and "Kids stable slushie"
- Race tickets with a blank for each guest's pick
- Hat contest ballots
See our party tools page for more planning helpers.
Planning note
Derby parties often start in the afternoon and peak at race time, so plan delivery so the first batch is frozen well before guests arrive. We set up 2 to 3 hours before the party, and the first batch takes 2 to 3 hours to freeze. One machine serves up to 100 guests. Have a standard 110 volt outlet on its own circuit, a sturdy table, and a garden hose ready.
Ready to plan? Check dates and book online in minutes, or get a quick estimate first.