2006 Kentucky Derby Tea


On May 6th we once again gathered at my home to celebrate the Kentucky Derby with our second annual Kentucky Derby Afternoon Tea. Each lady was asked to design her own special "Derby Hat" especially for the occasion. Of course if you follow the Derby at all you are quite aware that the first Saturday in May is often a celebratory unveiling of the most fantastic millinery to grace a lady's head. The elite of the racing world may forget your face but should never forget your Derby hat! Each lady's creation was such an accurate representation of her personality. We have some wonderfully creative women in our group and they never cease to amaze me with their original ensembles. As a token of appreciation for their efforts, two prizes of recognition were awarded for "Most Elegant" and "Best Derby Theme". Each lady voted and the winners were Ms. Paula Porter for Best Derby theme with her Cardinal Red Run for the Roses creation and Ms. Natalie Ferguson for Most Elegant with her terrific Henhouse Hat( Natalie has a wonderful blog, http://zipzipinkspot.blogspot.com , detailing the making of this great hat). The ladies received assorted gifts from mint julep syrup and a mini cookbook to a free in house tea voucher. I wish I could've awarded each lady with a gift bag for they came up with some beautiful designs. Hum..Next year perhaps....

Our menu was as follows: Orange/ Cranberry scones with orange marmalade and sweet whipped cream, Hot Cumberland Gap Kentucky Ham on buttered Pepperidge Farm mini rolls, olive nut tea sandwiches, curried chicken salad tea sandwiches, Ruth Hunt Candy's famous mint julep balls, and white chocolate dipped strawberries. The Teas served were Elmwood Inn Kentucky Blend, Elmwood Inn decaffeinated Earl Grey, and Elmwood Inn Gunpowder Green.