Horse Play: A Kentucky Derby-themed first birthday party at The Gilmour

April 30, 2023

Pony rides, painting and a piñata. These were just a few of the party must-haves that went into Bibi Hebert’s vision of a Kentucky Derby-themed party for her son’s first birthday.

“I knew I wanted the Kentucky Derby to be the theme of Hudson Hayes’ first birthday party because it reminded me of my late grandfather and his love for horses,” Hebert says.

Working from a pastel color palette ideal for a one-year-old, she decked out the front lawn and first floor of The Gilmour with balloon garlands, a ball pit and even Hudson Hayes’ own derby registration.

“After grabbing a stuffed horse from the favor wall, they went on to the different stations: check-up station with medical equipment and bandages, brushing station with wooden combs, jockey attire station where they could design and color their outfit, mini rose wreath making station, and finally they were awarded certificates and blue ribbons,” she explains.

For the adults, mint juleps were served in classic silver cups complete with custom acrylic drink stirrers adorned with Hudson Hayes’ face. And finally, live music from David St. Romain was the finishing touch.

Keep scrolling to see all the details from the party, and click the photos for a closer look.