Giddy UP! Hosting The Perfect Derby Party with Debi Lilly

Known as the “greatest two minutes in sports”, the Kentucky Derby offers the perfect excuse for hosting an intimate celebration at home. 24/7 accepted the challenge but after a quick review of our abbreviated To Do list – scouting for ladylike derby hats and wooing our favorite equestrian-insider, Jennifer Wirth, for her famed mint julep recipe – we knew we needed a professional's touch.

Enter author and celebrity party planner, Debi Lilly (pictured above), whose VIP-only parties are always the talk of the town. We caught up with Oprah Winfrey's favorite fȇte extraordinaire who shared a few simple suggestions for treating guests to an intimate Derby Day gathering.

By Invite-Only!: With just a few days to go before Race Day, grab a gorgeous Derby photo online and email friends and family to join you in the “Race for the Roses” this weekend. Derby hats required!

Luxe File loves: This adorable Kentucky Derby inspired party invitation (above) adorned with Swarovski crystals; designed by Inviting Company. Click HERE to purchase.

Getting Your Home “Derby” Ready: Now that spring is here and the weather is warm, try to set elements of the party outside and enjoy the sunshine while you increase your party space. For inclement weather, bring the party inside. Anything can poise as a make-shift bar: a counter, coffee table, or a mobile trolley.

Set the bar outside on your patio table with pre-made cocktails in oversized drinking jars to make service fast and easy for guests (and you don't get stuck behind the bar shaking juleps the entire party).

Turn On Your Inner Mixologist: Here are three handcrafted cocktail recipes – two courtesy of Debi Lilly and one from Jennifer Wirth – we are sure you and your friends will love to sip long after the race has ended.

Sweet Tea Vodka (Makes 4 glasses)

In a glass pitcher or jar, combine two parts Sweet Tea to one part Effen Cucumber Vodka. Add fresh mint sprigs into pitcher, and let sit for a half hour before party. Serve over ice, with lemon to garnish.

Mint Julep (Makes 4 glasses)

In a bowl, muddle (smash) 1 bunch fresh mint, 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 cups water. Add in Bourbon Whiskey, to taste. Serve over ice, with mint sprig to garnish.

Jennifer Wirth's Mint Julep (Makes 6-8 glasses)

3 cups sugar

1 bottle Maker's Mark® Bourbon (or your preference)

1 bouquet of fresh mint

crushed ice

Simple syrup: In a medium saucepan, add three cups of water and three cups of sugar. Bring mixture to a boil and let thicken slightly. When simple syrup has thickened, pour into a large glass and overnight to chill. When preparing the juleps, fill a 6 oz. glass with crushed ice to the rim. Add two shots of bourbon and fill remainder with chilled simple syrup. Add 1-2 stalks of mint into glass and stir.

Food, Glorious Food: Win the blue ribbon with these attention-grabbing party bites.

Loaded Mac and Cheese

8 ozs. macaroni, whole wheat

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup flour

1/2 tsp salt

2 cup milk

2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

black pepper to taste

Cook macaroni and drain. Melt butter then add in flour, salt, pepper, and milk one at a time. Cook until bubbly. Add cheese then stir until melted. Add macaroni then stir until evenly coated. In greased muffin tin, spoon mac and cheese. Cook for 30 minutes at 350º. Top with your favorite flavors: cherry tomato, scallions, sauteed mushrooms, roasted peppers, black pepper bacon, chicken apple sausage, black forest ham...whatever you love!

Wedge Salad

Using small hearts of romaine, cross two hearts onto a small plate or group onto platter. Bake bacon on a cookie sheet in the oven, crumble. Drizzle romaine with a healthy option blue cheese yogurt dressing. Add bacon crumbles,  blue cheese and fresh black pepper.

Mini Turkey Sliders

20 ozs. ground turkey (do not buy turkey breast)

2 tbsps grated parmesan cheese

1 clove minced garlic

1 bunch fresh chopped basil

1 bunch fresh chopped oregano

fresh black pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Shape into petite patties. On a medium hot grill, cook burgers for 3-4 minutes, per side, or until browned. Sandwich the burgers between dinner rolls or buns. Serve with small bowls or jars of ketchup, flavored mustards, flavored BBQ sauces, flavored pickles, onions and tomatoes.

Luxe File loves: Craving something sweet? Finish the evening with a heavenly dessert courtesy of Hot Chocolate's Executive Chef Mindy Segal. Here's one of our all-time favs.

Mindy Segal's Chocolate Souffle Tart

1 9-inch pie shell, homemade or store bought

5 ounces 64-percent dark chocolate, chopped

1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter

3 large eggs, whites and yolks separated

1/4 cup sugar

Preheat the oven to 350º. Bake pie shell until just golden around edges; about 12 minutes. Set aside. In a medium bowl, set over a saucepan of simmering water.Combine chocolate and butter. Cook, stirring, until melted and combined; 5 to 8 minutes. Keep warm. In a medium bowl, whisk egg yolks and 2 tablespoons sugar until stiff peaks form. In a second bowl, whisk the egg whites and a pinch of sugar until frothy. Slowly beat in the remaining sugar and whip just until stiff peaks form. Fold the yolk mixture into the chocolate mixture until partially combined. Fold into half of the white mixture. Add the remaining whites and fold until combined. Scoop the mixture into the pie shell; fill to the top of the shell. Bake until the pie doubles in size, has a crust on top, and is cake-like on the outside but still soft in the center; about 20 minutes.

Host/Hostess Attire: If any party deserves a hat parade - this is IT. Invite friends to don their derby hats, traditional southern dress, and award best “his and hers” Dapper Derby Day outfit.

Luxe File loves: Ladies, take your positions! Stand out from the stylish crowd in a feathery, or flowery, crown by Jg Hats (pictured below).

Gents will look dandy in a seersucker suit and ascot. Not a southern gentleman? Get jiggy with madras pants and hit the mint juleps, hard. 

We also like this "Dressing For the Kentucky Derby" grooming illustration for guys, courtesy of the Art of Manliness website.

Derby Games and Prizes: I love to print off each of the horses, tape them onto straws and tuck them into cups for a good old-fashioned "Betting Window" (pictured below). Guests can place bets for first, second, third place. Have fun prizes ready to hand out to the winners.

Luxe File loves: Need creative prize ideas? Here are three: A dinner for two gift certificate to Derby Bar & Grill (first picture below), one of Chicago's oldest post-Prohibition bars with a cool Kentucky Derby vibe; a Swarovski crystal monogrammed riding crop (MEOW!); and anything from Hermès (second picture below).

Now sit back and linger over a sweet, mint-infused cocktail while the horses gallop by. Luxe File's money is on “Orb”, but don't quote us. We're just happy to have friends who know something about these things. 

Photo Credit:
Photos of "Loaded Mac and Cheese", "Mini Turkey Sliders", and "Betting Window" courtesy of Debi Lilly.

PARTY CRASHER: January 14-18, 2013

Nicole Jarecz's Party Girl

Not even snowflakes and dipping digits can keep party-loving Chicagoans from dashing outdoors to kick off their new (or simply re-scrambled) resolutions in style. Here is a collection of our favorite celebrations happening this week.

Monday, January 14, 2013

What: Mercer Estates Wine Tasting at Paris Club

Where: Paris Club, 59 West Hubbard Street

When: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

$$$: Free

411: There is no need to be a sommelier for this unique experience as guests can tap into the expertise of winemaker Jessica Munnell of Mercer Estates who will be on hand to guide guests through tastings and answer any and all red, white and rosé-related questions. To complement the wines, light signature hors d’oeuvres will be served, courtesy of Paris Club’s executive chef Alex Ageneau.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

What: Charity4LIFE Happy Hour

Where: Municipal Bar, 216 West Ohio

When: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

$$$: $10 Donation online (ends at 4:00 p.m. on 1/15); $20 at the door. For more info or to purchase tickets, click HERE.

411: Hosted by Kevin Chmura, founder of Spencer Burnett, and Chicago author, Jillian Conley, this monthly charitable-cum-networking mixer is a people-watching paradise. Charity feels good too: 100% of event proceeds provide resources to rehabilitate street children worldwide.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

What: A Lovely Logan Square Wedding Party

Where: Shop 1021, 2650 North Milwaukee Avenue

When: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

$$$: Free. RSVP: Debi@aperfectevent.com

411: From the moment you say, “Yes!” to the kiss that seals “I DO!”, getting hitched is a non-stop ride of pure enjoyment. Prepare for your big day with trends and tips from Debi Lilly of A Perfect Event, gifts from Shop 1021, paper from Spilled Ink Press, sweets by Paper Moon Pastry, food from Provenance Food and Wine, flowers by Fleur, photography and music by Cage and Aquarium, linen and tabletop styles by BBJ Linen.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

What: Fourth Annual Cheekiest Chicks of 2013

Where: PUBLIC Hotel, 1301 North State Parkway

When: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

$$$: $20 online; $25 at the door. For more info or to purchase tickets, click HERE.

411: Cheeky chicks are some of the coolest girls on the block, and this year’s honorees feature ten of the most inspiring women in business and the community. Enjoy custom cocktails by Reyka and passed hors d'ouevres while shaking what your momma gave you to the sexy beats of DJ Megan Taylor.

Friday, January 18, 2013

What: After Dark in the Modern Wing

Where: The Art Institute of Chicago, 159 East Monroe Street (Modern Wing entrance)

When: 9:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.

$$$: $25 adults; $20 members and students. For more info or to purchase tickets, click HERE. Space is limited. Complimentary appetizers and cash bar.

411: If you resolved to get more culture in 2013, then After Dark in the Art Institute’s Modern Wing will keep you on track. Go on a special tour to explore the innovative designs of Studio Gang Architects, then enjoy performances by theatrical ensemble Collaboraction.

AND THE ENVELOPE, PLEASE!: Industry Insiders' Tips For Hosting The Best Oscars Party At Home

When it comes to awards shows, America has a carpet addiction. In some fashion circles, it’s more like a cult following. If rocking the red carpet at this year’s 84^th Annual Academy Awards® is high on your To Do list, there are plenty of parties that will satisfy your inner-exhibitionist. If you prefer to keep things more, well, private, why not wow your fans and woo your critics with an intimate Oscars celebration at home?

Luxe File Chicago asked four of its favorite event insiders for their secrets to throwing, and dressing for, the ultimate Oscars party (hot party date not included). Here’s what they had to say:

THE EVENTEUR

Debi Lilly

A Perfect Event

Turn Your Place Into A Party Pad: Roll out the red carpet - outside at the entrance, even inside down the hallways. It is as easy as using a throw rug, a few yards of linen or cotton duck, or removable, static cling contact paper rolls.

Create An Oscar Theme: Use red and gold and velvet ropes to achieve instant Oscar glam. Red linens on tables, red florals in gilded bases, red flickering candles, gold statuettes throughout your home (available at party stores), and gold platters filled with food and drink.

VIP Guest List & Invites: Invite friends, family, and neighbors. As your guests arrive, place printed “And the Oscar goes to...” category nametags on their backs. Playing an old-fashioned game of “Yes or No”, guests try to figure out who they “are” (actor, actress, director, movie, and more).

Good Eats: Oscars-inspired nibbles

Notable Nibbles: I love to theme the menu to the movies that are up for awards. This year, serve Hawaiian food and drink for The Descendents, French for The Artist, New York gastro wagons and street carts for Extremely Loud, and, of course, southern-style comfort food like rich chocolate French silk pie for The Help.

Lights. Cameras. Cocktails! Serve creative cocktails your guests will love. Here are two suggestions:

“Red Carpet” – Combine equal parts antioxidant-rich pomegranate juice with Prosecco and garnish with a thinly sliced lemon wheel, floating inside.

“Oscar-ita” - Combine equal parts golden mango juice, ginger ale, tequila, limeade, and a light beer (like Corona).

VIP Party Favors. Golden or yellow-colored candies, like Lemon Sours or Lemonheads, boxed in clear, acrylic square boxes and personalized with custom-printed “Red Carpet” labels.

Best Hostess Attire. A gown worthy for the red carpet – but of course. 

THE MIXOLOGIST

Adam Seger

HUM Spirits

Make It Memorable: Creating Cocktails Your Guests Will Love. They have to be simple to execute, strikingly beautiful and prepared with the best ingredients you can. Here is my recipe for the exclusive Champagne cocktail of this year’s Governor's Ball-

"Möet's Red Carpet Glamour"

1. Fill a chilled Champagne flute half way with ice.

2. For each flute, stir 1 ounce Fresh Squeezed Sour Mix (see recipe below) and Hum Botanical Spirit with fresh ice to chill.

3. Strain into the flute and top with Moët & Chandon Imperial Brut Reserve.

4. Garnish with a single rose petal.

5. Continually refresh as you wish with Moët & Chandon Imperial as the Champagne will float on top of the HUM Sour. Its effervescence will deliver HUM's heady cardamom and Kaffir lime notes.

Fresh Squeezed Sour Mix Preparation:

1. Make a syrup with 1.5 cups sugar and 1 cup hot water.

2. Stir until sugar is completely dissolved.

3. Add 1 cup of fresh lime juice and 1 cup fresh lemon juice and refrigerate.

4. May be prepared the night before.

(Syrup may be substituted with 1 pint agave nectar.)

Need a visual? Check out Adam Seger’s Red Carpet Fizz demo HERE.

Bar Essential Basics. Fresh, hard ice (not melty). Fresh citrus. Cutting board. Sharp knife. Boston Shaker. Hawthorne Strainer. Tongs. Zester. Channel knife. A thick, fat muddler (NO paint on it please and, yes, size matters here.)

Perfect Pairings: Tasty Bar Nibbles. Pick an ingredient in your dish and use it in your cocktail as a flavor bridge.

 Celebration Staple: BUBBLY!

Wine 101: Great Wines For Any Guest. Dry Rose and Champagne

Do-It-Yourself Bartending Basics. Go to Hum Spirits for an array of delicious and simple-to-prepare drink recipes.

Hiring a Bartender: What You Need To Know. Everyone loves eye candy, so looks are a bonus, but first and foremost, anyone you hire should be friendly, engaging, and like good food. If they have these qualities, you can guide them to make nice, simple cocktails.

THE PHOTOGRAPHER

Jeff Schear

Jeff Schear Visuals


Taking Paparazzi-Perfect Photos. Celebrity photographers take three basics photos on the red carpet: full-length, mid-length, and a headshot. Full-length photos highlight the dress and shoes; headshots focus on the shoulders and face. Also remember to make sure the color balance on your camera is set correctly. Select the light bulb setting if you’re shooting indoors and the sun icon for exterior photos.

Posing Like A Supermodel. WOMEN: Create dimension by pointing your chest at a 45 degree angle, cross one leg in front of the other, square your chin towards the camera and tilt your head. MEN: Point one shoulder slightly off-center from the camera, plant one foot forward, then lift your chin up and away from your body and towards the lens. 

 Click! Cameron Diaz strikes a perfect pose

Host(ess) Tips for Getting Camera-Ready. For flawless-looking skin, swap translucent makeup for primer and a creamy foundation. Take the proper precautions when wearing shear fabrics - powerful flashes can go right through fabrics and expose what is, or isn’t, underneath. Don’t get caught in a wrinkled tux, have your suit pressed or dry-cleaned.

Camera or iPhone. Since an iPhone’s flash isn’t strong enough to expose imperfections in the makeup or clothing, colors won’t be absolutely correct and pictures might have a soft, yellow hue. A camera is your best bet, even if it’s just a small point-and-shoot. Tip: If you are going to use an iPhone, try taking photos from an elevated position – it makes the subject appear thinner.

Hiring a Photographer: What You Need To Know. A professional red carpet photographer can be expensive so consider hiring a photography student or novice photographer who's work you like. If you know someone in the media industry, ask them. Chances are, they can recommend a pro who will fit your size and budget.

Jeff Schear’s Shutterbug Suggestions. Capture what your subjects are wearing by shooting them vertically. Mix things up by taking posed and candid photos. Remember to snap some pics of the food, drinks, and decorations before your guests arrive. 

THE STYLIST

Eric Himel

Eric Himel

How to Select the Perfect Dress. If you are dashing around, you don't want to trip. Opt for knee-length or t-length. It’s important to stand out, so choose a vibrant color and not black. The biggest fashion faux pas for a host(ess) is to be mistaken for a guest.

Walking the Red Carpet: Perfect Party Shoes. Find comfort in a sexy stiletto with a platform, wedge, or a thick heel. Remember physics? The larger the surface of the heel at the bottom, the more it will distribute your weight.

Wondering what to wear? 

Eric Himel weighs in.

Ultimate Accessories. Rhinestone headbands are big now and do double-duty by keeping your hair in place and out of the food. If you can't decide on what jewelry to wear, pick two pieces and make sure they don't match.

Hair & Makeup Must-Haves. Awards shows don't mean you always have to wear it in an updo. You can still look elegant with your hair down. Practice the look a day before so you aren't frazzled at your party.

Cocktail? Creative? Casual? Defining the Party Dress Code. Yes, yes, and yes. Make sure the look is unique and all you. People can smell when you are trying to be inauthentic.

Menswear 101: Fashion Advice for Guys. Make as much of an effort as your gal. Be creative with accessories – cufflinks, ties, and shoes - just don't be too humorous. Be a grown-up.

Favorite Shopping Destinations. Some of the best treasures can be found in in the dress department at Bloomingdale's, consignment/vintage stores, or “shop” a friend's closet and let her do the same in yours.

Host(ess) Tips for Getting Camera-Ready. Practice your smile in a mirror. Keep pressed powder close for touch ups. Opt for a confident pucker and stay away from the 'Siamese-twin-attached-at-the head-or-cheek' look with your best-y.

Hiring a Stylist: What You Need To Know. Just like going to a hair stylist, pull the looks you like from magazines to show them. Communicate what you are trying to exude - 'pretty', 'sexy', 'edgy' - and share which areas of your body you want to showcase or keep covered up.

Posted by Sally & Kerry Shorr