A collage of aspects of the tablescape including a napkin, salad plate, bourbon bottle, derby attire, roses, and a silver horse place card holder.

If you’re in need of inspiration for setting your Kentucky Derby table, look no further than Woodford Reserve’s specialty bottle commemorating the 151st race. While I consider myself to be a Tennessee girl, there are two things that bring out my Kentucky roots: the Derby and bourbon. This setting displays my love for both in addition to the fashion, heart, and history of the event.

The Inspo

A collage of women in derby attire, Woodford Reserve's Kentucky Derby 151 bottle, Pomegranate's Paddock Scene Napkin, and circles with the color palette.

Each year, Woodford releases a new bottle design and this year’s inspired me to lean into its warmer tones as I traded in the typical pastel palette for richer hues rooted in the tradition and allure of a vintage equestrian aesthetic. And, while the roses deviating from the typical red might seem out of place, it actually wasn’t until 1904 that the red rose became the event’s official flower. It was even later (1932) before the tradition of the winning horse being presented with a garland of red roses began. Ben Brush, the first horse to be presented with roses, received a collar of white and pink roses after his 1896 win. Since 1925, “Run for the Roses” has been synonymous with the Kentucky Derby—so whether or not your roses are strictly red, you can convey a piece of history with your arrangements.

I fell in love with these napkins by Pomegranate because their design expertly captured the palette and vibe I was going for. An artful blend of thoroughbred beauty and fashionable attire, I couldn’t have asked for a lovelier linen to get my creativity flowing.

The Setting

A collage of plates, lines, and florals for a vintage equestrian setting.

For the table a crisp chestnut brown linen serves as the backdrop, while a juniper green studded leather placemat lends colorful texture to the scene. With its simple design around the rim, Ralph Lauren’s Equestrian dinner plate contrasts the dainty details of Royal Albert’s Old Country Roses salad plate. A pewter jockey helmet encircles napkins depicting a paddock scene dotted with stylish ladies and gents donning their festive hats. Amber speckle water glasses emphasize the lighter brown tones and cherry-handled flatware introduce the deepest shade of red. A trio of mint julep cups are filled with burgundy, dusty mauve pink, and tangerine-peach roses. A racing thoroughbred and jockey beckon each guest to their place.