The race that stops the nation is just around the corner, and it's the perfect chance to host a Melbourne Cup office party for you and your colleagues.

A top-notch Melbourne Cup event can boost team spirit, spark friendly competition, and give everyone a well-deserved break from the daily grind. In this blog, we’ll provide some ideas that’ll help make planning your party a breeze – all the way to the finish line!

History of the Melbourne Cup

The Melbourne Cup has been Australia's most prestigious horse race since 1861. It's known as "the race that stops a nation" due to its huge popularity and cultural impact.

Some horses have left their mark on Cup history. Makybe Diva won an amazing three cups in a row from 2003 to 2005. Phar Lap, the legendary Depression-era champion, won in 1930 despite an assassination attempt. Archer was the first horse to win back-to-back Cups in 1861 and 1862. Kingston Rule set the race record of 3:16.3 in 1990.

The Cup isn't just about the horses. Jockey Bobby Lewis rode four winners between 1902 and 1927. Trainer Bart Cummings earned the nickname "Cups King" with 12 victories from 1965 to 2008.

Planning Your Event for Melbourne Cup Day

The Melbourne Cup always falls on the first Tuesday in November, and most workplaces hold their celebrations during lunch or in the afternoon to watch the race live.

Make sure you have a TV or projector to show the race. If your workplace is too small, consider booking a function room at a nearby pub or restaurant.

Budget Considerations

First, work out how much money you can spend on the party. This will guide your decisions on food, drinks, and activities. If your management team is chipping into your allocated budget, you may want to consider corporate catering for the Melbourne Cup party.

However, if gourmet finger food isn't on the cards, collect donations from staff or do a BYO arrangement, where everyone brings a plate.

Decorations for a Melbourne Cup Theme

Deck out your office space with race-day party supplies like banners, balloons, and table runners in racing colours. Incorporate the iconic colours of the race, such as green and gold, into your decor. Don't forget to add some elegant touches, like fresh flower arrangements or stylish table centrepieces, to reflect the sophistication of the event.

Add some horse-themed decorations, like horseshoe garlands or miniature horse figurines, to emphasise the racing theme. Fake grass or astroturf can create a racetrack vibe, and don't forget racing flags!

You could also host a desk decorating competition, where everyone has to decorate their desks with Melbourne Cup accessories, and whoever has the winning look gets a prize!

Set Up a Melbourne Cup Photo Booth

Set up a photo booth area with props like toy horses, jockey hats, and oversized novelty glasses. This gives your workmates a fun way to remember the day.

Fashion and Dress Code

The Melbourne Cup is a chance to show off the iconic race-track fashion, so why not host a best-dressed competition?

Ask all staff to dress in their finest spring frocks with fascinators or hats and then have a fashion show to pick the winner. This is the perfect time to snap some pictures for the office photo gallery to commemorate the big race.

Sweeps and Betting Pools

Setting up an office sweepstakes for the main race is a classic way to get everyone involved, even if they're not big punters. You can grab a free sweepstake form from your local paper or download one online.

While setting up the office sweep, you can also test your workmates' Melbourne Cup knowledge with a quick quiz. Ask questions about past winners, famous jockeys, or racing traditions. You can do this as a group activity or hand out individual quiz sheets.

Food and Beverage

Nibblies for the party obviously depend on your guests' food tastes and budget (and you, of course), but here are some easy ideas for Melbourne Cup food & drinks.

Finger foods and canapes are perfect for snacking during the festivities. Many local caterers offer special Melbourne Cup Office Catering packages. They can handle everything from setup to supplying delicious food to suit all dietary requirements to clean-up.

If you're on a budget, consider a potluck where colleagues bring dishes to share or make up cheese plates on a grazing table, where staff can pick and choose what they want.

For sweets, you could order horse-shaped cookies or a trophy-shaped cake or just make a cake and decorate it with green fondant and mini horse figurines.

Signature Drinks

No Melbourne Cup party is complete without some festive drinks. Create a DIY cocktail station with ingredients for classic race day beverages.

Try these easy recipes:

• The Melbourne Cup: Gin, vermouth, orange bitters, sugar syrup

• Derby Day: Vodka, elderflower cordial, lemon juice, champagne

• Oaks Day: Bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters, cherry liqueur

• Don't forget non-alcoholic options. Mocktails, iced tea, and fruit punch are great choices.

Ready to Party?

Hosting a Melbourne Cup office party is a fantastic way to celebrate the spirit of the race while strengthening bonds with your colleagues. By following these tips and ideas from Shindigs, you'll be well on your way to creating an unforgettable experience that captures the excitement and glamour of the Melbourne Cup. Remember to plan ahead, choose a theme, provide delectable food and drinks, organise fun activities, and encourage festive attire.

With a little creativity and preparation, your Melbourne Cup office party will be a galloping success! So, gather your co-workers, put on your best fascinator or tie, and get ready to cheer on your favourite horse. Happy Melbourne Cup from the team at Shindigs!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some essential decorations for a Melbourne Cup party?

Essential decorations for a Melbourne Cup office party include green and gold streamers, balloons, and banners, horse-themed items like horseshoe garlands or figurines, a photo backdrop with a race-inspired design, and elegant touches such as fresh flowers or stylish centrepieces.

What kind of food should I serve at a Melbourne Cup party?

For a Melbourne Cup party, consider serving a mix of finger foods, such as mini quiches, sausage rolls, and sandwiches, along with some sweet treats like cupcakes or macarons. Don't forget to include some healthy options, like a fruit platter or veggie sticks with dip. You could also consider Melbourne Cup catering.

What activities can I organise to keep guests entertained during the party?

To keep guests entertained, organise activities such as a best-dressed competition, a sweepstakes or betting game, a horseshoe toss, or a trivia quiz about the history of the Melbourne Cup. You can also set up a craft station where guests can create their own fascinators or bow ties.