The Kentucky Derby will be held in Louisville, Kentucky, this week, and even if you live nowhere near the race track, it's still a great excuse to throw a party! After all, who doesn't love dressing up in fancy hats and sipping mint juleps? If you're interested in throwing a last-minute celebration in your New York home, take a look at some of our festive hosting tips below:

• Attire: The Kentucky Derby is known to be a fancy event which attracts socialites from all over the country. Dress in formal attire and be sure that you wear a hat. You can even have a contest for the best or most creative hat!
• Centerpiece: Spruce up your dining room table with a trophy cup similar to the one that is handed out during the Kentucky Derby. You can fill the cup with fresh flowers or candy. Or, place some fragrant rose petals inside as a tribute to the roses that are draped over the winning horse.
• Drinks: "For beverages, serve mint juleps, the official cocktail of the race. Although normally made with bourbon, the mint julep at the Kentucky Derby is actually made with Early Times, a brand of Kentucky whiskey," writes a blogger for Better Homes & Gardens. "Offer an alternate drink, such as a sparkling cranberry rose cocktail. For dessert, serve decadent rose petal ice cream."

Before you invite guests into your house to celebrate your favorite occasions this spring, you're going to want to make sure you're home is in great shape. If you're in need of custom window coverings, be sure to make an appointment with our home design consultants at Metropolitan Window Fashions!