How to Throw a Last-Minute Kentucky Derby Party That Wows

Just because you didn't have time to pick up decorations doesn't mean you have to leave your tabletop bare. Use what you have: food. Even basic foods can look lovely in the right vessel. Haylie used a bronze colander and clear glass votive to elevate grapes and breadsticks to tablescape-worthy decor.

Create layers by mixing and matching what you already have (think plates of different sizes, placemats, table runners, etc.) to create an expensive look from inexpensive elements. "For a girl on a budget, layers add a ton of richness to your table, and it doesn't always cost a lot to do that if you have all the elements already in your home," Haylie shared. Case in point: the green placemats in the tablescape were from Christmas.

Haylie decorated with red roses in a nod to the flower the winning horse is showered in postrace. We love the wow factor of this rose ice bucket in which she froze a dazzling petal in each cube. "It's a very easy and totally budget friendly way to elevate the look of your party, and it looks like you've spent a ton of time on it," Haylie said. "Only you can be the one who knows the secret that it really takes no time at all!"

Get in the Derby spirit by having guests place play bets on the Kentucky Derby winner. The best way to do this is by typing up and printing simple bet cards and passing them out during the party. It will remind people of the race they're gathered to watch and create a fun competitive atmosphere leading up to the race.

"I love silver and gold together," said Haylie, who advises us to pay more attention to what looks good rather than dated faux pas, such as mixing metals. "As I was putting it together, I just really tried to go with everything on my table being inspired by the Derby, so thinking about silver trophies and thinking about gold trophies," she explained.

You don't need to have a full bar at your party, but you should "have an array of options for everyone," Haylie advised. "I have wine options that everybody likes; my sister [Hilary Duff] likes white, my mom likes red, and both like Champagne," so the pro hostess stocked up on all three. She recommends the Brut from 14 Hands Winery, the preferred wine of the Kentucky Derby and a brand she represents.

The Derby is a beloved seasonal milestone, marking the end of Spring and start of Summer, so don't be afraid to decorate accordingly. "I went with the pink and green as the florally Summer elements," Haylie explained of her pastel color.