A Simple Kentucky Derby Spread at Home (With Classic Southern Bites)

The 152nd Kentucky Derby has come and gone, and this year’s race gave us exactly what it always promises—history, heart, and just a little bit of magic.

We watched from home—just the three of us, gathered around a simple but thoughtful spread—and somehow it felt just as special as any grand party.

I’ve always loved horse racing—it’s been part of my story for as long as I can remember. When I was a child, my grandfather was a devoted fan, the kind who didn’t just watch races—he felt them. He would sit quietly by his radio, completely tuned in, listening to the race calls from Hipódromo Camarero—the track I still think of by its original name, El Comandante.

Back then, it was the heart of horse racing in Puerto Rico. El Comandante wasn’t just a racetrack—it was a gathering place, a pulse point for the island, where the energy of the crowd carried through the air and into homes like ours through those radio broadcasts.

I can still picture him listening, completely still until the final stretch—then suddenly animated, reacting to every call like he was right there at the rail. I didn’t fully understand the races then, but I understood him—the excitement, the ritual, the way something as simple as a voice on the radio could bring so much life into the room.

And I think that’s where it started for me.

And honestly, it was the kind of Derby you don’t forget. Because this year, the race wasn’t just exciting—it was historic.

Boricua Pride x 200! We are so proud of our boys from Trujillo Alto!

SHE IS THE MOMENT!

  • A 23-1 longshot, Golden Tempo, surged from the very back of the pack in a breathtaking final stretch to win it all, reminiscent of Rich Strike in 2022.

  • Trainer Cherie DeVaux made history as the first woman ever to train a Kentucky Derby winner.

  • Jockey Jose Ortiz— fellow Puerto Rican, riding with precision and patience, completed a victory 12 years in the making—after also winning the Kentucky Oaks the day before.

  • To make it more emotional? His brother, Irad Ortiz, Jr. came in second, riding the horse who was the favorite to win.

It was one of those finishes that reminds you why they call it the most exciting two minutes in sports.

And while all of that unfolded at Churchill Downs, we were right here—plates in hand, mint juleps nearby, cheering like we were part of it.

For our own little Derby Day at home, I kept the menu simple but intentional—just enough to feel special without making it overwhelming. I put together a small spread consisting of:

  • Kentucky Benedictine tea sandwiches

  • A creamy pimento cheese “bar”

  • Beau Monde dip and crudites that quickly became everyone’s favorite.

  • For the teenagers, we added a few sliders

  • A charcuterie board with cheeses and little bites to graze on

  • Of course, mint juleps tied it all together. And for those of us who don’t love mint juleps, we went with a variation—a Georgia peach julep that felt just as festive and a little more our speed.

It wasn’t elaborate, but it had all the elements I love—something fresh, something nostalgic, and plenty to share around the table.

As the day wound down and the last of the dishes were picked over, I found myself thinking about how traditions evolve—how they travel from a racetrack in Puerto Rico, to a quiet living room with my grandfather and a radio, to a small table here in the Midwest.

This year’s Derby reminded me that it’s not about where you watch or how elaborate the spread is—it’s about the memories you carry and the ones you’re still creating. And above all, the incredible stories that happen at this event, and the lives that are changed because of it. And if there’s good food, a meaningful story, and someone to share it with, that’s more than enough reason to celebrate.

The Art of the Find: Vintage Hunting Through Instagram Live

A few months ago, I stumbled into something that has quietly become one of our favorite family hobbies: vintage shopping through Instagram Live sales. I was doing what I usually do—scrolling through beautiful photos from the vintage shops I follow—when one of them popped up as “live.” Out of curiosity, I tapped in… and walked straight into a live sale.

If you’ve never experienced one, it’s such a fascinating little world. A vintage or antique seller—sometimes joined by a couple of others—takes turns showcasing pieces. They hold each item up to the camera, talk through its history or charm, point out details, and then call out a price. If you want it, you simply type “claim” along with the item number. And if more than one person is interested? It turns into a fast-paced, slightly adrenaline-filled bidding moment right there in the comments.

The first time I watched, I didn’t buy a thing—I was too busy trying to understand how it all worked. But the second time? I claimed my first piece. And since then… well, let’s just say a few carefully chosen treasures have made their way into our home.

What I love most is that it’s not random shopping. I’ve become really intentional about it—curating pieces that reflect how I want our home to feel. Lately, that means soft, coastal-inspired items: weathered woods, glass, muted blues, anything that feels like it carries a bit of sea air with it. I’ve even started following specific vintage sellers and antique dealers who specialize in that coastal aesthetic, so I can keep an eye out for just the right finds.

The process itself is surprisingly simple. After the sale, the seller sends an invoice—usually within a day or two. You pay, and then your new-to-you treasure ships out to you. It feels a little like modern treasure hunting, but from your couch.

And honestly? It’s become more than just shopping. It’s something we enjoy together—watching, chatting, occasionally claiming, and imagining where each piece might live in our home.

Have you ever joined an Instagram Live sale like this? I’d love to hear what you thought—or what you’ve found.