AUSTRALIA Day is a time to celebrate the people, land and diversity that makes this country great.
With the nation’s day knocking, there’s still time to organise a true blue party like no other.
Here’s our top six tips to so:
1 Remember the tomato sauce
NOTHING says Australia Day more than the classic Aussie barbecue.
However, before you fire up the barbie make sure you have all your food essentials covered and food prep done the night before.
A must-have for any Aussie barbecue and crowd favourite is the sausage sizzle. Just make sure you’re not the host who forgets to buy the tomato sauce.
To complement the famous sausage sanger, and just as Australian, add some lamb to the menu.
2 Have the drinks and dessert covered
IT’S the last public holiday for a couple of months now, so a little over indulgence isn’t going to hurt.
If you’re over 18, get creative in the kitchen and treat your guests to some Aussie-themed cocktails. Of course, there are many great beer, wine and cider Aussie alternatives that you should have cooling in the esky.
For dessert the obvious choice has got to be lamingtons or pavlova. Both are also sure to go right alongside that sausage sanga too. Delicious!
3 Get in the spirit
ENCOURAGE guests to get into the spirit with all things Australian from temporary flag tattoo and novelty sunglass to cork hats and thongs. Don’t forget the old “shearer’s singlet either”. Always a winner on Australia Dat.
Decorate the house in green/gold or red/blue streamers, balloons as well as themed cups, napkins and plates. Discount stores supply Australia Day paraphernalia so be sure to stock up. Great theme ideas include Aussie animals, sporting stars or celebrity personalities.
4 A rocking Aussie anthem playlist
TO KICK off the celebrations start with playing some good old Australian classics like Men at Work’s Land Down Under or Slim Dusty’s Waltzing Matilda.
Once the party gets going switch straight to Triple J’s hottest 100, because it’s not a true blue Australia Day bash without the hottest 100 pumping in the background.
5 Keep the guests entertained
AS LOVERS of the great outdoors, keep the momentum going throughout the day with pre-planned game ideas and outdoor actives.
Be sure to have the old bat and ball at the ready and enjoy a game of Australia’s favour past time, backyard cricket. For those with a pool – pool party toys are an absolute must. For the non-sports-enthusiasts, have Australian style quizzes ready to go and enjoy an afternoon on brain-busting fun.
6 Don’t be that person
DON’T be that annoying drunk person at the party.
If you are enjoying a drink or two – do so responsibly. No one particularly enjoys having to take care of drunken idiots, especially on their day off.
And, unless you’ve already cleared it with the boss, don’t be that person that doesn’t turn up to work on Friday, leaving your co-workers in the lurch. It’s only one day – toughen up and head into the office.
