How to host the perfect Australia Day party

The smell of barbeques waft through the air and EVERYONE has the day off work. Dress code is anything ‘green and gold’ or an Aussie flag over togs. It’s a day of celebration, food, drinks and friends. So you’ve decided it’s your turn to host this year’s party. If you aren’t well prepared, a celebration can easily turn into a nightmare – especially if Sydney decides to turn on one of its freakish summer thunderstorms.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you host a smashing event!

Think about the space

It’s easy to get carried away with inviting your friends to a few fun drinks, but before you go inviting your 647 friends on Facebook and all the Twittersphere, think about how much space you have. Will you host your party outside? Do you have a backyard, courtyard or balcony? The last thing you want is for your guests to feel crowded. If there are too many bodies and not enough chairs, everyone will feel uncomfortable.

If you’re happy to have guests inside, be mindful of valuables (people get clumsy after a few drinks) and your floors (red wine is impossible to get out of most carpets!)

To BYO or not… that is the question

Hosting an intimate gathering can soon blow out of proportion. Once you buy drinks and snacks and maybe a few desserts and a fruit platter the dollars add up. So, before you send out the invites, decide what you will provide. If you expect your guests to bring their own drinks and a plate to share, be clear. Otherwise, people will assume you will provide all. It’s a good idea to assign a ‘plate’ to certain guests so you don’t end up with five pavlovas (although that’s not necessarily a bad thing!). Most people will bring a bottle of plonk anyway but if you do decide you’d like to provide all drinks and foods, DON’T scrimp. As with everything you do in and around your home, do it with style and class. No one likes a cheap host.

The weather

It’s the middle of a Sydney summer so there are two main things to be mindful of:

1) Hot, hot, hot – ensure there is adequate shade if you’re hosting outside and air conditioning if inside.

2) Thunderstorms – an outdoor shelter when it starts to rain or allowing your guests (possibly with muddy feet) to come inside.

AND the mozzies…

Cans of insect repellent, coils, and zappers are a necessity!

And finally, have fun!

Aussie Aussie Aussie…

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