Invitations

• Invitations with a Kentucky Derby theme can be found on Web sites for vendors such as Invitation Consultants. Free printable invitations are available on sites like hooverwebdesign.com, or you can opt for electronic invitations in 21 different designs on the official Kentucky Derby Web site under the "Derby party" link. You can also design a faux ticket for the Kentucky Derby on your computer.
  
  

Costumes

• Think classy and elegant when it comes to dressing for the Kentucky Derby party. Wear linens; flower-print dresses; suits; big, embellished, Southern-style hats; brightly colored scarfs; and pearls. You can also dress as a jockey -- or even get a horse costume.
  
  

Decorations

• Give the party space some Kentucky flavor with decorations such as horse and jockey centerpieces, flowers, white linen tablecloths, Derby wreaths, horseshoe cutouts, Derby logo balloons and yard signs. The Kentucky Derby site offers a party-decor store with official Derby decorations.
  
  

Activities

• Honor the occasion with a viewing party at your home, and raise the stakes with wagers, which can be placed on the Derby Web site. Dance to the official Derby playlist, which is available on the horse race's Web site. There's also a DVD of the greatest moments in Derby history to watch and reminisce with.
  
  

Food

• Add some Southern staples to the Derby party's menu. Choose dishes such as barbecue chicken, potato salad, grilled asparagus, grits, deviled eggs, oysters, pulled pork, Kentucky ham and green beans.