Run for the Rosés Dessert Table for the Kentucky Derby
No, you did not read the title wrong. The rose garland, now synonymous with the Kentucky Derby, is the source of the nickname “Run for the Roses®” and has a history almost as long as the Derby itself. Instead of going with the traditional mint julep bar and with rosé wine season in full bloom, I did a play on words with a Run for the Rosés dessert table!
After my last post on portable rosés, I was inspired for this twist on the Kentucky Derby. It is a great way to celebrate without feeling all the pressure of ‘traditional’ drinks like bourbon and mint julep creations. I know absolutely nothing about either drinks or have the fancy glassware to accommodate. What am I going to do with a bunch of silver julep cups? Don’t worry, we are still decorating with the classic rose motif…and desserts are always the way to go. You can never go wrong with chocolate and wine.
- Set the scene with a boxwood backdrop embellished with roses, real or artificial.
- Create a centerpiece with a horse head discovered at Hobby Lobby, painted white. Hot glue roses to an artificial wreath and add to your horse head.
- Dress up a plain chocolate cake with real roses and a toy horse, written with a paint pen. These horses make great food cards as well.
- Trophy shaped vessels are perfect for holding real roses.
- You can never go wrong with a tray of sweets! Trader Joe’s is always my go-to, from chocolate covered graham crackers to cocoa dusted truffles, they have a fabulous selection for dipping in their famous fudge sauce/fondue.
- My favorite trophy bowls are perfect for holding my favorite SMASHMALLOW gourmet marshmallows for dipping.
- The adorable rose cakes are made with this silicone mold and sprayed with edible paint.
- It’s easy to create a rosé bar for our libations; offer 4 – 5 options from sweet to dry for variety. I chose mine because of their horse-themed labels….check out this post for great, inexpensive options, and of course, my round up. We had to have Angry Orchard Rosé Cider, which joined this year as one of the Kentucky Derby’s official hard ciders.
- Who says you have to use wine glasses? I broke out my coupe glasses, both glass and plastic!
- If you have those who don’t imbibe, pretty bottles of rose lemonade or sparkling juices are great options.
What a great way to watch the Kentucky Derby, sipping wine and eating chocolate! How are you going to watch this year’s 144th renewal of The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports?
