On the third Saturday in May, you're having friends over to watch the Preakness, and you don't know how to throw a Preakness Party.

The second Leg of the Triple Crown, the Preakness, is held annually at Pimlico Racetrack in Baltimore. This is the race that will determine if there can be a Triple Crowns winners.

On the first Saturday in May, the Kentucky Derby is held, and the only horse that can win the Triple Crown is determined. To win the Triple Crown, the horse has to win three particular races: The Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont. For any horse that wins any one of the three races it's an accomplishment, but winning all three is a feat. Only 11 horses since 1919 have won the coveted crown.

The Preakness doesn't conjure up the pompousness of the Kentucky Derby. The Preakness relays a more relaxed image of a day at the races. Until 2009, infield party-goers were allowed to take anything into the infield, including alcohol, food, card board refrigerator boxes for the private bathrooms. Tiny homes popped up around the infield, all types of alcohol, a lot of food, a privacy fence (usually made of rope, twine or tape), all of the conveniences of home. A giant picnic with 90,000 people drinking, after all, the race was named after a tavern! But that all came to an end and no beverages of any kind, not even water, can be brought into the infield, which, by the way, led to a 30% decrease in attendance from 112,222 in 2008 to 77,850 in 2009. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/16/AR2009051602390.html Granted, 90,000 people under the influence can get ugly at times. The Freakness, as the infield was affectionately known, has become the "Meakness" and people are staying home to enjoy their Preakness Day with a little less number of friends.

Whether you're planning on just a few guests or a yard full, there are some key things to keep in mind when planning a proper Preakness party.

• The race is held in Baltimore, MD, known for their crabcakes.
• The drink of the day is Black-Eyed Susans,
• The official flower is the Black-Eyed Susans.
• The official song is Maryland, My Maryland. (It has the same melody as "Oh, Christmas Tree")
• Official colors are black and gold.

A Preakness Party is a definite party event if you love horse racing or just love throwing parties.

A few days before your party, a shopping trip will be necessary, and you are going to need a shopping list, a long shopping list.

Alcohol

• Whiskey or Rum and Triple Sec
• Vodka
• Beer

Grocery Store

• Orange Juice
• Sweet and Sour Mix
• Chicken or crab (and ingredients listed in the recipes)
• Potato or Macaroni salad ingredients
• Oranges
• Maraschino cherries
• Fresh Strawberries
• Melons (cantaloupe, honeydew, or watermelons for fresh fruit plates)

Miscellaneous Party Supplies

• Ice
• Balloons
• Flowers
• Plastic Cups (if needed)
• Paper plates and bowls (if needed)
• Silverware (forks, spoons, knives)
• Napkins

For a Preakness party to have the proper ambiance, decorations are vital. A combination of balloons and flowers is indicative of a spring celebration. Black and gold helium filled balloons combined with the simplicity of the Black-eyed Susan flowers provide a perfect picture of a Maryland spring day experience.

If you're having a buffet, decorate the tables with the flowers, either as garlands or bouquets and a few balloons. If individual tables are provided, use a few flowers and a balloon for centerpieces.

Make the "Black-eyed Susans" (drinks) the day prior to the party and keep it cold until the party. It can be served in a punch bowl, or any other large container and have plenty of ice on hand.

The crabcakes or chicken can also be cooked ahead of time and kept warm in a food server on a table for the party. Cold side dishes and desserts are good accompaniments expecially on a warm day like potato or macaroni salad, fresh fruits, fresh strawberry pie, tomatoes or cucumbers.

There is a problem with getting the Black-eyed Susan flowers. They don't bloom until late May or early June. For decorations, without placing a "special order" from a florest, faux Black-Eyed Susans can be used instead. Viking Daisies and some mums can be used, with the centers painted black. The flowers have no discernible scent which allows for use of artificial flowers for the decor without having that "something is missing" feeling.

"The Black-Eyed Susan Official Recipe

There are a number of variations on this recipe using vodka, rum, and triple sec. Any recipe will do. No traditions will be broken.

For your guests who would prefer something alcohol free, have a punch made with the Sweet and sour mix with orange juice, or plain orange juice, lemonade, or ice tea.

"Maryland Crab Cakes

1 lb. Crab meat (preferably back-fin) 1/4 c. Mayonnaise 2 T. Parsley, minced 1/2 t. Salt 1/2 c. Soft bread crumbs 2 Eggs, beaten

5 drops Tabasco sauce fine cracker crumbs 1 stick Butter (can substitute margarine or oil) Optional for those who prefer more zing: 1 T. horseradish

Combine all ingredients except crumbs and butter and mix together lightly. Form into desired size cakes but do not pack firmly then pat lightly with cracker crumbs. Chill for an hour so they are easier to handle.

Heat butter in a large skillet and fry cakes until golden brown on all sides. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately."http://www.backyardbookie.com/BYB_Party_Tips_Preakness.htm

If you want to serve crabcakes, but don't want to make them yourself, you can order them online or from your favorite grocery store.

The decorations are set up and the food ready to be served, now it's time to make a last check to make sure nothing is missing.

• You have plenty of cups or glasses for drinks,
• The salads and fruits are on ice
• The crabcakes or chicken are being kept warm in an electric roaster pan.
• Have your TV's ready for televised races starting at 12 Noon. (Live TV Coverage for the race begins at 5:00 pm ET on NBC. ESPN Classic will be showing reruns of past Preakness races starting at

12 Noon until 5:00 pm on May 15, 2010).

• Hats for the ladies is not a requirement, however, wearing a hat to a horse race is supposed to bring good luck.

Depending on the type of party you are planning, whether very casual or a catered affair, preliminary planning and preparation is invaluable and a good preventative for any party disasters. Any time that you can save yourself prior to the party means more time for you to enjoy your party without worry.