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Celebrate in style
This year, the summer long weekend is set to be epic. Falling on a Sunday with Monday the 27th the official public holiday, it means a double-whammy of celebrations (or more precious post-party snoozing the following day!). Organised events around the country will be hosting live entertainment, sausage sizzles and rides in honour of our proud nation. But if keeping festivities within your own backyard is more your style, we’ve got a list of essentials for throwing a stylish Australiana long weekend.
Entertainer’s space
If you’ve been looking to update your outdoor area, now’s the perfect time. You’ll want plenty of space for family and friends and our summer range has so much to choose from. There’s something decidedly colonial about the Basque concrete table with its classic turned-post-style legs. The Reclaimed Teak Cross Leg table is made from recycled timber and pairs beautifully with the Verdun chairs, as seen in this stunning setup by Hayley Little of @mumlittleloves. Top your table with an Australiana-themed salad bowl and wooden servers. They come in three themes: Australian Native, Byron Bay and Ottway Ranges.
Aussie-up the décor
While the iconic red, white and blue of the flag often takes centre stage on the Australia Day dining table, it doesn’t have to. What could be more Australian than vases of beautiful native flora, like wattle and bottlebrush picked fresh from the garden. Or if that’s not possible, stock up on some faux flowers, like banksia and eucalyptus. This colourful display is quintessentially Australian and makes a beautiful centrepiece.
Get cushy on the deck
Happening in the peak of summer, fingers crossed the day will deliver comfortable temperatures for outdoor entertaining. Give you deck seating plenty of cush factor with some colourful outdoor cushions. Among our constantly updating range are the adorable Cuscino Stitched Bernie and Ernie cushion and Australian Flower cushion (pictured), while the Protea cushion is extra special with its pom-pom corners. If you’re celebrating indoors or on an undercover deck, you could even hang a Australian Native print or the Australian Cockatoo canvas, which is one of our most popular prints.
Tattoo your face
Yep, you read that right. If you’re a new Australian, it’s time you learn this embarrassing truth. On Australia Day we like to plaster our faces with temporary tattoos of the Aussie flag. The more the better. Or for the more conservative, you could stick a few tattoos on your upper arm to complement your Bonds singlet, tracky daks and thongs.
Speaking of thongs…
Set up a good ol’ fashioned game of Thong Toss on the back lawn. A distinguished sport hailing from the convict era, felons used to play this game by tossing their thongs at the guards. If they smacked a guard in the head, they won (and spent the next year in leg-irons). Or so the legend goes… 😉 But there’s a safer way to play: take turns throwing the thong and see who can toss it furthest. Alternatively, you could play barefoot cricket, roll out the slip ‘n’ slide or fill the Super Soakers!
Chuck a shrimp on the barbie
Or, better yet, some prawns. You’ll also need a jumbo tray of sausages, white bread, tomato sauce, lamingtons, Vegemite, fairy bread, a pavlova and an esky full of VB. Alternatively, you could set a scrumptious menu instead. Think grilled salmon, quinoa salad with roast pumpkin and berry sorbet for dessert. Celebrity New Zealand chef Alison Lambert has some tasty suggestions in our blog. Pair your lunch with a crisp summer wine and provide plenty of non-alcoholic options, such as Bundaberg Ginger Beer, Passiona and cold water.
Iconic Aussie playlist
Finally, don’t forget the tunes. Triple J has an all-Australian playlist especially compiled for the big day brimming with Paul Kelly, Sticky Fingers and Australian Crawl. Spotify has an Australia Day BBQ Bangers playlist with classics likes ‘Khe Sanh’ and ‘Down Under’, while Apple Music offers Aussie Songs Essentials with everything from Silverchair to Skyhooks.
See more in-store
Looking for more inspiration for throwing an Australiana long weekend? Check out more of our outdoor furniture online or visit us in-store. We also have a backyard barbie party guide with lots of cool tips for your summer soiree.
