By Jennifer Alexander Ruple

The Run for the Roses will soon be here, and Derby Day 152 calls for a celebration as bold and spirited as the event itself. Whether you’re hosting a full‑blown derby party or simply adding a touch of Kentucky charm to the first Saturday in May, a few thoughtful details can transform your space into Churchill Downs at home. Two crowd pleasing essentials include slightly spicy, Apricot Bourbon Meatballs that capture the essence of Southern hospitality, and elegant Rose Julep Cups give your décor that unmistakable derby flair. From the first bite to the final flourish of red roses, you’ll have everything you need to create a festive atmosphere worthy of the most exciting two minutes in sports.

Apricot Bourbon Meatballs

Makes 48 meatballs

Ingredients

Meatballs
2 pounds ground beef
2 eggs
1 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Fresh parsley, finely chopped

Sauce
1 cup apricot preserves
¼ cup brown sugar
½ cup bourbon
½ cup barbecue sauce
½ cup onion, finely diced
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons hot honey
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Heat oven to 350 F. In a large bowl, combine meatball ingredients. Roll into 1-inch balls. Place on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until no longer pink.

In a large saucepan, combine sauce ingredients and warm over medium heat. Add meatballs and simmer for 30 minutes. Garnish with parsley.

Rose Julep Cups

For extra Run for the Roses flair, arrange Rose Julep Cups and place them on the buffet and bar cart, or group a few together to create a table centerpiece.

Ingredients

What you need:
Julep Cups
5 red roses per arrangement
6-8 stems of assorted greenery
Floral foam brick
Flower food

Instructions

Cut a piece of floral foam to fill ⅔ of each julep cup. Fill a large bowl with water. Add flower food to the water and let dissolve. Lay foam bricks on top of water and let soak for 1 to 2 minutes. Place soaked foam in julep cups and add more water.

Layer each julep cup with a generous amount of greenery.

Prepare the roses. Remove all the leaves and one layer of petals then fluff them for a fuller look. Measure and trim rose stems to desired height. The middle rose should be a little longer than those around the sides.

Arrange roses in cups, starting along the edges and then filling in the middle.