Entertaining: Hosts Pull Out the Stops for Kentucky Derby Parties

As Kentucky Derby 141 races to the home stretch May 2, designer Lee W. Robinson welcomes Houzz into his home for a sneak peek and some party hosting tips guaranteed to make your own Derby party a winner. Lee, his wife, Babs (Cox), and their three sons are the latest generation of her family to live in Malvern House, named after the Cox family ancestral home in England. The Georgian architecture and the custom grounds designed by Frederick Law Olmsted make it a perfect setting for entertaining.

At a Glance
Who lives here: Lee W. Robinson and wife Babs; their sons, McDowell, Thruston, and Owsley; and Riley, a Cavalier King Charles spaniel
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Size: 16,000 square feet (1,486 square meters)
Year built: 1922

The grand foyer of Malvern House has marble floors and limestone walls. “Greet your guests with a cocktail so they can immediately start to relax,” Robinson says. He serves a classic mint julep for his Derby eve dinner, while mimosas await guests at a Derby morning brunch.


“The most important thing to remember when hosting a party is to make people feel at home,” Robinson says. “The guest experience should be effortless.” A sterling silver decanter plate engraved with “Come In” hangs on the front door so guests can enter as they please.


A guest book at the entrance is an inexpensive way to commemorate (or remember) your Kentucky Derby party. Says Robinson: “There is never a dull moment at Derby. One year I stationed a bar outside on the driveway so my guests arrived cocktail in hand.”


The music room at the end of the house sets the tone for the event. Another tip from Robinson: If you’re thinking about having music, keep in mind that it should build — low and ambient to fast and upbeat — as the party goes on.

Wallpaper: Zuber


The dining room table was passed down from Babs’ great-grandmother. Robinson says he likes “to mix up the crowd. I have guests draw a number from a fishbowl for lottery-style assigned seating at the dinner table.”


Vintage loving cups and horse trophies make perfect flower vessels. The red rose and stargazer lily are the traditional flowers for the Kentucky Derby and Oaks races. For a fresh take, Robinson recommends using coral roses instead of red and mixing in some other spring flowers.


The brunch menu is a new take on Southern favorites with a farm-to-table emphasis. “A typical brunch menu consists of turkey hash with corn cakes, cheese grits, asparagus, country ham and biscuits,” Robinson says. “Our take on fish ’n’ chips is Kentucky spoon fish caviar served on a potato chip as an appetizer, and Derby Pie is a must for dessert.”

For those who haven’t experienced it, Derby Pie is a chocolate-nut pie made with pecans and walnuts — and occasionally bourbon.


A converted pantry lined in Pacific Silvercloth keeps silver from tarnishing.


“Lighting creates ambience,” Robinson says. “I love candlelight and low lamp lighting for parties. For an edgy, nightclub vibe, switch bulbs to black light.”


Robinson offers another way to create ambience: “Just before guests arrive, spray a favorite fragrance on a warm lightbulb to refresh the room.”


The family’s dog, Riley, patiently waits for guests and food to arrive.


Robinson also has advice for those who are guests rather than hosts. “A gift for the host is a simple, thoughtful gesture,” he says. “Candles, alcohol, linen cocktail napkins and stationery are my go-to gifts. I never give flowers. The host then has to stop, find a vase — the host has enough to do.”

Candle: Owsley Hyacinth Scent Candle


The mint julep is the official drink of the Kentucky Derby. Make sure you have plenty of crushed ice, simple syrup, bourbon and mint on hand for the first Saturday in May.

Learn to make a traditional mint julep and serve it in a julep cup.


Bourbon is essential to Derby celebrations, just as a well-stocked bar is essential to a great party. Robinson, a bourbon connoisseur, displays two rare gems in his collection: Wm. Berkele whiskey and Pappy Van Winkle 23- year-old bourbon.


Every true Kentuckian owns a flask. This vintage flask, a family heirloom, has been a Derby tradition since 1924.


After hosting, Robinson doesn’t want his guests to go home empty-handed. “I like to have party favors for my guests. For Derby, I give locally sourced chocolates, soaps, foods and small bottles of bourbon as gifts. Horseshoes, roses, disposable cameras and paper fans [for grandstand humidity] are great options too.”


Robinson’s final piece of advice: “Make sure your guests get home safely. Have a designated driver, taxi or car service available to your guests.”



Designer Lee W. Robinson in the drawing room of his Louisville home, Malvern House.

Tell us: What are you doing Derby weekend? How do you celebrate or prepare? Tell us in the Comments.

More: Groom Your Rooms With Kentucky Derby Decor

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