Be Inspired: Australia Day Party
Australia will always be home to me - even when we're on the other side of the globe. Whilst neither of my parents or siblings were 'Australian' born, I believe my family is a true representation of what Australia is - a delicious melting pot of cultures, traditions, languages and food from all around the world. A diverse multicultural society.
Each year, as Australia celebrates it's national birthday on the 26th of January, I do too. In true Nicole style, it doesn't matter where I am in the world, I'll be celebrating.
For as far back as I can remember, Nawal and Neve have always shared this wonderful day with their school friends. The mandatory lamingtons, ANZAC cookies and, of course, Vegemite vitawheats are a staple amongst hungry children at morning tea time (Okay, not always the Vegemite!), and the mini clip on koalas are the icing on the cake.
Last year we celebrated Australia Day whilst living in London by inviting our friends and family over for our annual "Australia Day" dinner. Bringing together 'international' Australian friends over an Australian inspired menu with homemade sausage rolls and mini meat pies to start, followed by a succulent lamb fillet rolled in fresh herbs and finished with a delectable pavlova, dripping in fresh berries and cream - and, of course, Tim Tams!
Whether you want to do a simple barbecue or an Australian inspired degustation, I thought I'd share my Australia Day party with you to inspire your own celebration - so here it is!
A mix of festive and floral, our centrepieces included bowls of Australian lollies and beautiful native Australian blooms.
I used minties, clinkers and fantales in these star-shaped bowls and our floral centrepieces were made up of wattle and waxflower.
The table was covered with an Australian Flag Table Cloth and each place setting included a round hyacinth place mat, Australian song book and a special Australian themed gift for each guest.
The men each had their own pair of Australian Flag Sunglasses whilst the ladies each had their own Australian Flag Bow Headbands.
Want your own Australia Day Song Book? Find my free printable version here to download and print at home.
Our placecards for the night were a super simple DIY. I found these cute koalas at a $2/Bargain Shop back in Australia and they were perfect for holding our "gumtree leaf" name tags in place. Simply cut leaf shapes out of green cardboard, write your guests names and pop them in the hands of your koala.
Here are some pieces you might want to buy for your own Australia Day celebration. From Australian Flag Headbands to place mats, bowls and more. Simply click the item to find out more.
But what about the food? Your menu will change according to the time of your party, however, I've rounded up some of my favourite Australian inspired recipes in this Australia Day Menu.
