The Colorful Tradition Of The Kentucky Derby With Pomegranate Inc.'s Angela Beck

“The Kentucky Derby is like any other major holiday for me, so that’s how I approach it,” says Angela Beck, founder and designer of the Lexington, Kentucky, home-goods line Pomegranate Inc. “It’s about family. I think that’s why there’s comfort in it.” Although Beck is not originally from the area, 30 years spent living on Gainesway, a farm with Thoroughbred horses, has instilled in her an unruffled approach to entertaining that feels right at home in her pastoral surrounds. “If I were worried about someone staining the linens, I’d feel a little uptight,” she admits. “When you have five children and a bunch of dogs running around, you don’t think like that. But you can still pull together a nice table.” Her collection of block-printed linens that are made in India allows hosts to do that with ease. “Our fabrics are bright and cheerful. They’re not too fancy,” says Beck. “They create a tone that’s relaxed, casual, and refreshing. At the end of the day, if there’s a little stain on a napkin, you can just turn it over.”

On What Makes A Table Memorable

“I’ll set it with fine china and glassware and then use my block-printed placemats and napkins. I find familiarity in mixing things I love, so it may not be my mama’s table, but it has elements from her home—pieces that have meaning to me—and I rearrange them in my own way.”

On Pomegranate’s Unique Designs

“When I first went to India, I brought whimsical motifs and cheerful color palettes that were outside the hand-block printing norm. I love the juxtaposition of the traditional art form with something new and unexpected. The technique appeals to me. I like the fact that you can see the hands that made the prints in each item.”

On What Inspired Her Equestrian Line

“Kentucky is a pretty special place. It’s more rural and rustic than the manicured gardens and fields of Virginia or Connecticut. This spectacular part of the world is farmland, and we raise horses here. It’s real. To play up the formality instead of the authenticity of this region would be wrong.”

Jockeys Drinking Glasses

Sit back and sip on your favorite cocktail in these colorful drinking glasses decorated with Jockeys in colorful silks. The gold metallic rim adds a sophisticated touch to these fun vessels.

BUY IT: $72/set of four; pomegranateinc.com

70s Flower Napkin

From Pomegranate Inc.'s Spring Florals collection, the 70s Flower Napkin is a retro design that easily translates into the bustle and beauty of modern life. Covered in tulips and daffodils with a scalloped lime green border, these napkins add a whimsical flair to any table.

BUY IT: $56/set of four; pomegranateinc.com

Finish Line Embroidered Cocktail Napkin

This cocktail napkin is a clear winner. With ornate embroidered details and an eye-catching green color, everyone in attendance of your Kentucky Derby Party will be betting on how many compliments you'll receive on them.

BUY IT: $36/set of six; pomegranateinc.com

Green Bamboo Bourbon Glass

Raise a glass to the Derby in style with these Green Bamboo Bourbon Glasses that add an extra pop of color to your table. The unique, hand applied design and gold rim detail make this glass go from the most casual of watch parties to the most elegant events.

BUY IT: $72/set of four; pomegranateinc.com

Away They Go Embroidered Cocktail Napkin

To get the party off to a running start, hand out drinks and appetizers with these colorful cocktail napkins. Everyone will know they're off to the races with just one look at the embroidered piece.

BUY IT: $36/set of six; pomegranateinc.com