the first saturday in may is the hallowed holiday of the kentucky derby - the run for the roses. so i was able to reserve the club house at my apartment for the date (free of charge – just have to leave it clean – a challenge after many mint juleps and whatever other cocktails i may concoct).

i WANT to have a party. i have this idea, this goal in my head, of being this party giving woman – so fabulous, so fancy. not martha stewart exactly (too stuffy for most of my friends), but at ease, effortless (appearing) and in demand. i have hosted many successful parties, but no barn burners to speak of. i had a party for chinese new year that was really good actually, but i tend to wayyy over buy and i had stuff for probably 30 when i had like 12.

so i want a party, want lots of people to come, want NOT to chicken out at the last minute. trying to decide on a menu. need to make impressive yet delicious items that i can have ready in a minimal amount of time, without spending a ton of money. and i want people to come, and that i will decorate for the appropriate amount of people.

so far i am thinking i will do 2 cocktails (resist urge to buy 836 kinds of alcohol – only problem is mint juleps are disgusting. so i am thinking token mint juleps and some kind of red martini-esque cocktail that i will like (heh). then cocktail appetizers – southern themed, something ham of course and maybe tea sandwiches, whatever. there must be derby pie and then maybe something else springy? cupcakes? and there must be some friendly wagering on the race, big hats and roses!

ok. here’s hoping i don’t chicken out!!