The “Race for the Roses” will be held this Saturday on May 4, 2024 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. If you cannot be there in person, then what better reason to have your very own Derby party. There is so much history surrounding this annual event and how fun to partake in its revelry.

A Little History

The Kentucky Derby takes place on the first Saturday in May every year, and typically draws a crowd of 155,000 people. It is the longest continually held sporting event in America, and it is one of the most prestigious horse races in the world.

Often called “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports”, the Kentucky Derby receives this nickname from the approximate length of time it takes the winner to run from the starting gate to the finish line. The Kentucky Derby is the first race within the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, where it is followed by the Preakness Stakes race and the Belmont Stakes race.

Setting the Theme

When my sweet blogging friends came to visit Bella Terra in 2022, we put together all the best tips to hosting your very own Kentucky Derby party and we want to share them with you today!

Chloe, from Celebrate and Decorate was unable to come at the last minute due to a family medical emergency. However, she did ship all the wonderful elements of a beautiful table beforehand. Using the black and white checks of a jockey’s attire, the harlequin table cloth is the perfect backdrop. Moss in a roll make a wonderful runner and adds the grassy feel of Churchill Downs.

The Centerpiece

Working with a laser cut wooden horse head, Chloe embellishes it with a Derby Day theme. Here is the Before:

And the After:

The horse head centerpiece is a clever use of craft materials and you can see the entire DIY here. Finding the wooden horse head silhouette on Amazon, Chloe covers it in moss, adds roses for the mane and adds a harlequin ribbon for the bridle. This can be used as decoration for the front door (add a hook) or as the table’s centerpiece.

Beautiful silver mint julep cups are filled with fresh red roses that I order from The Bouqs. Waiting for a 20% off promotion, I purchase 6 dozen (4 dozen would have been plenty)of these gorgeous red roses. I place 10 roses in each mint julep cup (6 cups) and surround the horse head.

If you are looking for mint julep cups, here is a resource for stainless steel ones. Silver or silver plated mint julep cups can be found here.

The Place Setting

Since the Kentucky Derby is one of the most prestigious races, it’s time to pull out the glamour of silver and crystal. After experimenting with different chargers and dinner plates, we decide a simple white plate with a beaded silver charger with a white embroidered linen napkin is the most elegant.

If you don’t have real silver or silver-plate, there are many faux silver chargers available. You can see these more affordable options here. Having a basic white dinner plate allows you the opportunity to make your table casual or more formal. Here is a good option on white dinner plates.

Chloe makes these stunning red rose napkin rings and you can see her DIY here. Even though she wasn’t physically present, we all greatly appreciate her creative contributions to this gorgeous table.

Sparkling crystal glasses, silver candlesticks and silver wine/champagne buckets add more glamour to the table.

Andrea from Design Morsels finds these small horseshoes which we scatter around the centerpiece. Adding the white slipcovered dining chairs around the table, again makes this dining experience extra special.

The table is placed under the very old date palms trees on the south side of our historic property.

Hors D’oeuvres

Even though mint juleps are the traditional cocktail for the Kentucky Derby, we dust off our best Waterford champagne flutes and serve a Thomson & Scott Noughty dealcoholized sparking rosé bubbly.

A variety of cheeses, crackers, salami, olives, nuts and fruit make a colorful, yet tasty tray of nibbles.

Icy shrimp with cocktail sauce on a vintage Fenton Spanish Lace Silver Crest ruffle edge milk glass pedestal cake stand gives some height to a small table. This is one of my favorite cake stands and as I am writing this, there is one available on eBay here.

Fresh shrimp and a wonton hors d’oeuvre create different textures and flavors. An interesting mix for your guests.

For more food and decorating ideas, see my Derby Day Fun post from 2019 here.

And a Hat, of course!

Hats are a long standing tradition at the Kentucky Derby! And what is a Derby party without a lovely chapeau!

On the Kentucky Derby website, you can download the entire Kentucky Derby 2024 information guide, the list of horses and you can even place a bet on their website. They even have an online store for your to purchase party supplies.

Thanks to Chloe’s creativity and the capable hands of Andrea from Design Morsels and Chas from Chas’ Crazy Creations, we hope you will be inspired to host your own Kentucky Derby party! What fun to put it all together here at our home and share these moments with such great friends.

10 Winning Kentucky Derby Party Food Ideas and Champion Recipes

My friend, Rachel from The Ponds Farmhouse is part of a supper club comprising of very talented women. In Rachel’s post, not only does she include recipes from Shrimp & Grits to Bourbon Bread Pudding, but the following as well:

Michele from Vintage Home Design~Traditional Mint Julep Recipe with a Lemonade Twist

Jen at Midwest Life and Style- Crockpot Bourbon Meatballs

Anne and AnnMarie at Simply2Moms~The Hot Brown

Stacy at Bricks ‘n Blooms~Best Blondie Brownie Recipe

Just writing this post is making me hungry and I cannot wait to try some of these new recipes. May is just around the corner and enjoying the Kentucky Derby is a great way to welcome in the month.Are you planning a Derby day celebration?

Some of the photos are taken by Emily Supiot from Cozy Clicks.

If you enjoy this post, please share on Pinterest.

February is just around the corner with the pretty colors of Valentine’s Day. From bright heart reds to blush and shades of pink, I love any of these colors to brighten up a cold, winter day. Inspired by the pretty, flowery and cottage design of The Pioneer Woman dishes, here is my affordable February and/or Valentine’s Day table.

The Dishes

Each time I go to Walmart I check to see what is new from The Pioneer Woman in household goods. In this world where we see so much monochromatic, colorless, design, I appreciate the Pioneer Woman’s bright and cheerful colors.

I am pleasantly surprised to find these sweet 7″ cow dishes with a scalloped edge for $3.32 each. Wait? What? They are such a great size to use in many different ways. This particular plate in pink seems to be out of stock online, but I was able to find this in the Walmart, Showlow, AZ store. You can find the same plate but in 8.75″ in red online here.

I layer the cow dish on top of this equally adorable 8.5″ flowery plates~again at a great price of $5.46! The style of these dishes just makes me happy! With some orange tones to the pink, the predominant color seems more pinky-coral than a traditional Valentine pink.

Using a white dinner plate with a narrow gold rim, I set the two plates on top. Years ago, I bought Pottery Barn’s standard white dinner plates. An affordable option is this one ~ 10 dinner plates for $47.65. At the base is a brushed gold charger to complete the look. These chargers on Amazon are 12% off ~ for 12 pieces at $29.99

The Table Cloth

Debating between a plain white tablecloth or this more vibrant Francheska block print, the brighter one wins. The combination of orange and pink in the design, picks up the colors in the Walmart plates. I like that it is more colorful and playful, justlike the dishes.

The Napkins

You may recall the time I tried to make my own stamped letter napkin? A colossal failed DIY and you can read about it here. Well, my younger sister, Susie is an excellent seamstress. She felt pity for my pathetic attempt at the DIY napkins, so she whipped these beautiful “Blessed” ones up for me.

I love how the black stitching picks up the color of the cow and helps anchor the place setting. Thank you, sweet Susie!

Silverware and Glasses

Wallace Napoleon Bee Gold Accent Stainless Steel flatware can be casual or dressy, depending on the dishes. This set is holding up so well with frequent use.

A simple crystal glass with a gold rim for both water and wine plays into the more casual look of the table. My glasses are quite old as I bought them when I was in my 20s from Lenox crystal.

The Centerpiece

With such a vibrant table cloth, I keep the centerpiece a clear glass vase with white hydrangeas, peonies, and pink and white tulips.

I cannot say enough about my battery operated gold table lamps. Not only do they give off an inviting light, but they have two settings. Charging is a breeze with a USB port. I find I prefer them because you don’t have to worry about candles blowing out or dripping.

Small glass votives are scattered around the table to provide a little more ambiance.

Need More Valentine impact?

If this table isn’t Valentine-y enough for you, it is easy to add elements of the holiday. I find these cute felt hearts at a cafe store up in the mountains. Here is this page resource on Amazon that has hearts in multiple colors and sizes.

Adding Valentine place cards will also step up the love theme!

This table is particularly fun and joyful to put together because of the affordability of the plates, the addition of these pretty colors and using my sister’s handmade napkins.

Are you decorating a table for Valentine’s Day? I hope this one inspires you to spread a bit of happiness, love and cheer.

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Before central air conditioning and heat, homes are kept warm by fireplaces in many of the rooms. In our historic home, we have 5 fireplaces inside and two outside. Each fireplace has a mantel that is begging to be decorated for the Christmas holidays. Here is a compilation of some of our decorated mantels over the years.

Back Terrace-2023

In our restoration journey, we add this valuable space to the back our our home. In the beautiful weather months here in Phoenix, it is the gathering place for family and friends. The large stack stone fireplace on one end is the focal point.

During our Fall Styling Workshop, Chloe from Celebrate and Decorate transforms the fall decorations to winter/holiday ones. Using this beautiful Norfolk pine garland, she adds large pinecones, elk sheds, festive balls and two different kinds of ribbon.

This beautiful 5″ elk ribbon (source: Decorators Warehouse but out of stock) and the 4″ silk plaid one (from my ribbon stash) are striking together. Vintage snowshoes and poles from thrift store finds add some charm and interest.

Here is the same fireplace but with a snowy, winter theme in 2020.

Living Room-2023

I recently shared this lush and luxurious mantel with you. If you missed it, you can see it here.

Here are some photos from previous years. In 2022 I repeat the use of magnolia and pine garlands and red berry clusters, but add faux amaryllis in blue/white ceramic pots.

The blue and white ceramic pots are filled with greens, ornaments and pinecones, as well as the same faux red amaryllis. The addition of our homemade stockings with brass holders keeps the simplicity of this mantel decor.

Here is another Chloe mantel, when she was visiting Bella Terra in 2020. Every time Chloe comes to Phoenix, I learn something new and I get a beautifully decorate mantel! Lucky me!

Dining Room Mantel

With such an abundant mantel in the adjacent living room, I decide to do a simply elegant one in the dining room this year. Using a magnolia garland, I add a faux lamb’s ear garland, glittery pine cones, pink and blush ornaments and a few strings of sparkly pink berries. This all goes nicely with the coral orchid pot from Dear Keaton.

In previous years, I use bottle brush trees, lights and pink/blush ornaments.

Some years I add garland and others not. This time I hang round pink ornaments with fishing wire on one side of the mantel.

Breakfast Room

Adjacent to our kitchen is the breakfast room. This sweet fireplace warms up both rooms during the winter months. Sometimes I change the artwork and sometimes I don’t. I do have to take care that any decorations are not too close to the flame too.

I’ve yet to decorate this for 2023, and hope to accomplish that in the next few days. In 2021 and 2022 I make the garland~red/white beads and tassels (see blog post), and dried orange slices (see DIY here).

In 2020, I hang a “clothesline” and with miniature clothespin, hang tiny Christmas sweaters, hats and mittens.

Originally, the breakfast room fireplace held all the nutcrackers we’ve collected over time. But it’s a bit of an effort to get them up from the basement and unpacked, so in 2010, I only display a few. In 2019, I go for darker shades of red.

Though the fireplace in the art room doesn’t typically get decorated, I love how my friend, Barbara from Mantel and Table, adorns this in 2020. Her use of faux peonies, gold berry clusters, pinecone ornaments and sheer ribbon makes an elegant statement.

The goal is to have the house fully decorated before this weekend. My guess is that you are already finished with holiday decorations~but I will get there eventually.

Hope you enjoyed seeing the various holiday mantels.

What a week! Every day is scheduled with so many things to do….and then the unexpected happens! It always seems that way. When I’m on a mission to get all the items done on my To Do list, it seems God has other plans. I hope you had a nice 3 day weekend and enjoying cooler, fall weather where you live. Welcome to Saturday Meanderings where we chat about all good things.

Update on The Pioneer Woman’s sheets from Walmart

A few weeks ago, I shared an incredible bargain on The Pioneer Woman’s sheets for $11.00 from Walmart (if you missed it, you can see it here). I so appreciate your remarks and feedback. One subscriber, Dee, asked if the sheets, after laundering and drying, shrink. I washed (on warm water) and dried (on medium heat) a queen size set and they did NOT shrink. Surprisingly, they have very deep corner pockets and the fabric felt even softer to me. What a nice surprise seeing I spent pennies on these sheets.

Here is how they look on a queen bed. I did not iron them which would make the ruffle look better. These sweet gingham patterns are perfect for our cabin. Though many of the patterns are out of stock, it appears there are a few left by mattress size! See it here.

Successful Pumpkin Hunting

It is SO fun to go to Willis Family Farm and roam the fields picking pumpkins. They have an amazing variety of pumpkins and gourds. You pay by the weight so the price is significantly less than what you find at the local grocery store. Our Safeway has pumpkins but without stems or with broken stems. I love a pumpkin with an interesting handle! It may not look like many pumpkins in the back of my old 2006 Escalade, but the back seat is tipped up and the trunk is full.

Cannot wait to arrange them with huge pots of chrysanthemums and ornamental cabbages on the front porch.

Geraniums on the Move

The annual transport of our huge geraniums from the cabin to Phoenix also took place this week. I cannot tell you how old these plants are, as we move them every Spring up to the cooler mountains and every Fall down to the warmer valley.

The ride in the back of the pick-up truck is a bit stressful. I instantly deadhead them as many of the blooms blow away during the 4 hour trip. Water them and then wait a few days before I fertilize them, as they adjust to their new winter home.

Taking Advantage of Free Fall Foliage

With armloads of freshly cut tree branches with autumn leaves, this is an affordable way to add fall to your home.

This is probably the only time I use this handblown, huge green glass vase. Each year the leaves are a slightly different color. Over time they fall from the branches and my dining room table becomes a bed of leaves. This is especially fun when it’s 85 degrees outside!

Inspiration from a Friend

My friend, Chloe from Celebrate and Decorate (who is coming to Phoenix for the Fall Styling Workshop) is such a source of inspiration. At her home in Florida, I spy this fabulous blue and white bowl filled with chrysanthemums on her side porch. (Her home, by the way, is complete eye candy).

Can you believe these chrysanthemums are fake? They look so real in person. So, while in Florida we go to the nearest Hobby Lobby and buy up the rest of them (at 40% off) and I carry them back to Phoenix in a suitcase.

Here is my version using a copper preserving pan. What do you think? I am surprised at how realistic they look.

Thank you, Chloe for all that you do to inspire me.

Emergency Room Visit

On Tuesday, coincidentally I am also at Hobby Lobby, I feel a growing pain in my right abdomen. By the time I got to the register, I was slumped over my shopping cart trying desperately not to throw up. The level of pain keeps increasing, so once I get home, I ask my husband to take me to the emergency room at the closest hospital. Pain level 6 quickly grows to pain level 10 and more vomiting.

Long story short, I apparently have a 7 mm kidney stone. Everyone says it feels like labor, but when you are pregnant you expect pain with labor. But not knowing the cause of this sudden excruciating and very focused pain, is a bit scary. Though I am in good health, I did wonder if it was the beginning of the end.

I still have it and will be seeing a urologist next week. Pain is under chemical management, thank goodness. In addition to really screwing up my Tuesday, I am hoping this resolves itself soon. Certainly not an experience I want to repeat. Has anyone had a kidney stone?

Around the Internet

Purple Cherry Architects

Oh my! This architect creates the most gorgeous homes. Truly I would be very happy with the pool house as my main residence. The founder, Cathy Purple Cherry (love the name!) is the namesake to her firm, Purple Cherry Architects. See this article written by The Glam Pad and view the stunning pictures of classic and elegant architecture.

Ah! This kitchen! I love how the copper pots almost hide the large lanterns.

Kristin Ellen Hockman’s country estate

I do love Charleston and gobble up any photos or stories about homes there. Here is another one from The Glam Pad about interior designer, Kristin Ellen Hockman’s 1852 country estate about 35 minutes outside Charleston.

If you love gardens and gardening, this is the article for you! In addition, Kristin lives in an updated Greek Revival home. What a piece of heaven for raising a family! You can see it here.

Mantel and Table

My friend, Barbara from Mantel and Table, creates this dark, moody fall tablescape that I find so intriguing.

Using her mother’s Hawaiian pareo as a tablecloth, it shows you the range of possibilities when it comes to covering your table. See it here.

Sending good thoughts for a wonderful weekend. I will be busy tidying up the house, planting the garden and getting ready for our Fall Styling Workshop next Friday and Saturday. Wish you all could be here for it but we will have a full house both days, which is truly exciting. Not sure I will be posting much next week, but we will catch up shortly thereafter!

After a 3 week hiatus from blogging, our international travels are over and I am back in Phoenix. Happy Saturday and I hope you enjoyed a patriotic and relaxing July 4th week. The last time I missed July 4th in the United States was in 2014 when we were stuck at JFK airport coming back from an Italy trip. Thank you so much for joining me today for another Saturday Meanderings where we chat about all good things this week.

Our Recent Trip

I am almost at a loss for words about our trip to Seoul, South Korea and Mongolia, as it feels like a life-changing experience. Why Mongolia? As I have mentioned in the past, my husband is on the board to the Peregrine Fund, a non- profit group that conserves threatened and endangered birds of prey worldwide. For their 50th anniversary, Scott bid on an expedition to Mongolia…and we won.

Since we just arrived back home a few days ago, I am in my jet-lagged fog and still processing how different and enlightening both Seoul and Mongolia in comparison to our own country. So more details to come on this trip.

Still Enjoying Roses

It’s hard to believe that my rose garden is still producing. With the higher temperatures, the flowers are smaller, but I’ve never had blooms in July. I expected to return to a completely barren rose garden, only to be delighted with new flowers. Unfortunately leaf cutter ants are taking over and I need to research how to get rid of them. If anyone has suggestions or remedies, please let me know.

The Perfect Travel Bag(s)

When you love your luggage, it is hard to move onto another piece. However, the carry-on Rimowa bag I invested in back in 2014, no longer meets airline specifications. It’s just too large now. So when the 21 inch DELSEY Paris Champagne white hard side luggage was on sale back in March, I bit the bullet and purchased it, along with the matching laptop backpack.

I am convinced that I cannot possibly fit enough in this smaller roller bag for a week’s worth of travel. But since I do not like checking luggage, I really have no choice but to try and make this new, smaller size work.

This roller bag is a DREAM! Not only am I able to fit enough clothes for the Seoul portion of our trip, but 2 pairs of shoes and all my toiletries..with room to spare.

The leather-like accents and style reminds me of vintage traveling accessories but with modern construction. In addition, the backpack slides over the handle so I am able to roll everything on board.

Currently, both items are on sale (30% off for the roller bag; 20% off for the backpack), but I’m wondering if they will be discounted even more during Prime Days next week? I hope to do a post on Prime Day deals and I’ll remind you to check these products out.

I’m a bit old fashion when I travel as I like to look nice (no pajama pants for me on an airplane) so these new luggage pieces complement my navy and white traveling outfit!

In summary, I am very happy with both pieces in regard to function and style.

From Around the Internet

If you are over 50 and need some fashion advice, Cindy Hattersley is a great resource. With our sweltering summer temperatures it’s hard to wear black here in Phoenix, but it’s a great color for summer travel. Check out Cindy’s latest post about Five Effortlessly Chic Ways to Wear Black this Summer.

Since my fashion sense is somewhat lacking, I get great ideas from Cindy.

This Salad, oh my!

Elizabeth from Pinecones and Acorns shares her favorite finds on Fridays. Check out this gorgeous salad! Wouldn’t it be perfect for a hot summer day? The original recipe is from Recipe Runner and I hope to make it this weekend…and maybe add some grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.

Learning to Make Paper Flowers

Want to learn something new this summer~ how to make life-like paper flowers? Join this 3-day online event with 18+ FREE paper flower workshops taught by Abbi Kirsten! Abbi is a paper flower expert with 10+ years of paper crafting experience. The free event starts on Monday, July 10th. Of course if you want access to the classes for more than 24 hours, there is a reasonable fee.

You can find the link here.

Typically, I am not a very good DIY or craft person, but I did make a paper flower wreath recently and was very pleased with the results. You can see that project here.

Summer Home Tour

My sweet friend, Michele from Vintage Home Designs, has her home featured in Farmhouse Living as part of their summer home tour series. The 30 minute video is filled with so many great ideas and inspiration! You can see it here.

Passion for Plants

My daughter, Julianna, has a new found passion for indoor plants. She rescues those that are on the “nearly dead and on sale” shelves at plant stores. Recently, her collection tops 30+ indoor plants.

Personally, I only have a few indoor plants which are the ones that thrive with or without me, so I am learning a great deal from her about the care and keeping of various plants.

You are never too old to learn something new! If you want to learn more about plants from her, you can follow her on Instagram @plant_obsessed_witch.

Well, that’s a wrap! Have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to relaxing and getting back to a schedule.