What comes to mind when you think Spring Carnival? Horse racing, fashion, food, drinks and celebration. 50 days of events for our southern cousins, but for most of us in sunny Queensland it’s very much centred around the jewel in the crown, otherwise known as the ‘race that stops the nation’. This year’s Melbourne Cup will take place on Tuesday 6 November at 2pm Queensland time, where we’ll play spectator to a contest of 24 of the world’s toughest thoroughbreds (gallop a tiresome 3200m) at Flemington Racecourse in Melbourne.
Whilst we may not get the day off to relish in the frivolities, we’ve never shied away from bringing the race to the office. And what better way to do so, than with these top tips on how to throw the perfect Melbourne Cup office party.
PLACE YOUR BETS!
It wouldn’t be Melbourne Cup without an office sweep! Setting one up takes a good amount of organisation as you’ll likely have multiple sweeps running at once (with different values), and a swarm of entrants (attracting even the most unlikely punters). That’s why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to create one for you. On the day of the race, simply download this guide and follow the instructions for an effortless and successful Melbourne Cup sweep!
Download our office sweep here.
FASHION ON THE FIELDS (EH EH BOARDROOM)
Just because you’re in the office doesn’t mean you can’t dress for the occasion. Avoid a fashion faux with a flower crown instead of a fascinator, or a dapper pocket square made from a retired tie or work shirt.
Learn how to make a flower crown with our friends at Flour and Bloom. Or, for a pocket square, use a material of choice, cut into a square (hem the edges if you’re good with a needle and thread) and fold flat, pointed or puffed to freshen your Melbourne Cup look. More folding tips here.
FOOD FIT FOR ANY PUNTER
Let’s face it, not a lot of work gets done from lunchtime until the race begins. That’s a whole two hours to fill with food and beverages on an office budget. Luckily for you, we’ve got some great options on the menu, freshly prepared on the day and delivered ready to serve, saving you the hassle of any clean up. It’s a win-win for everybody.
Grazing platter of sliced continental meats, dips, pickles, cheese and olives. Served with crostini and artisan breads.
Roast pumpkin, red onion, feta, verjuice salad (v/gf).
VIEW THE FULL MENU OR START AN ORDER NOW.
ADD A LITTLE FIZZ TO YOUR SPARKLE
Wanting to make your Melbourne Cup office soiree a little more spesh? Use this small hack to turn your sparkling wine into a spring cocktail. Simply add one sugar cube and two drops of bitters into each wine glass (for a disposable eco-alternative we recommend these stemless beauties) and fill with Prosecco. Decorate with fruit, or serve as is!
TAKE THE PARTY ELSEWHERE
For those of you lucky enough to get the afternoon off (clients to schmooze, or being schmoozed?) bets are on Baedeker Bar as the place to be. Set in the sunshine of the Champagne Garden, enjoy a three-hour package including premium beverages, canapes, food stations and grazing tables, live music, sweeps and more! Tickets are $99pp and group discounts available. The festivities won’t stop after the race, so come for an after party or a refreshing beverage when you clock off from work.
*Wine & Dine’m Catering promote responsible gambling and service of alcohol.
