The ‘big dance’ is here and obviously we’re hosting. BYO guernsey.
Good food, good drink, good friends – at its essence, a party is a timeless combination of elements brought to life by the individual touch that hosts and guests contribute to the occasion. To help you pull off your best and most fun-filled gathering yet, our Dan’s Daily Blueprints tell you everything you need to host whatever event is next on your hit list.
For some, Christmas is the best day of the year. For others, it’s their birthday. For us? Well, it’s AFL Grand Final day. It’s got everything you could want: footy, your mates, a piping-hot pie or two, good drinks and two teams vying to be the best – tell me how Christmas tops that (okay, presents are pretty good, too). Anyway, hosting grand final day? We’ve put together your ultimate guide.
If your grand final day has a dress code, we reckon everyone coming in their team colours is an easy win (yes, even the West Coast fans). Full kits encouraged.
Your local party store is likely to have team swag, like balloons and banners, but if you’re going for a more-is-more vibe, head to Bunnings and buy a strip of fake grass the length of your dining table. Next, you’ll need a few mini Sherrins, then grab some long white candles that double as goal posts and you’ve got yourself a footy field tablescape (hey, we said more is more).
Crowd-pleasing drinks are the goal of the day, from ready-to-go premixes and beers that can hang out in the esky to batch-made punch and a hard sparkling.
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1. Smirnoff Ice Red Vodka
For those who frequent Marvel Stadium, you might be partial to a Smirnoff Ice, but for those who call the ’G home, well, we’re sorry but this vodka classic isn’t on your drinks list. But hosting at home? Say way less. One of the OG hard lemons – whether you prefer your Smirnoff Ice in a can, bottle or flipped upside down and into a cup – this baby just needs to be served ice cold, alongside some very salty hot chips. This is a quarter-time special.
2. Mullet Wines Hard Sparkly
A mullet that could give Bazlenka a run for his money, this sparkling wine comes from the official Mulletmasters – yep, Mullet Wines. Their Hard Sparkly hails from South Australia and like any outstanding mullet, it’s business in the front, party at the back. Hard Sparkly is plush with preserved lemon, pear and peach flavours, along with subtle notes of fresh bread. Speaking of bread, who’s ready for snags?
Click image to shop
Click image to shop
3. Paloma
If you’re hosting a Mexican feast for the granny, then it has to be the official cocktail of Mexico (no, it’s not a Marg) – the Paloma. You’ll need a tequila (obviously), and we love the Solento Organic Blanco. You’ll also need some lime juice – fresh is best, but you can go bottled if you’re short on time or limes – and pink grapefruit soda ties it together. And if you’re already a fan of the Paloma, try our Blood Orange take.
4. Quattro Punch
Picture this: the TV outside, the sun shining and everyone sitting around the table waiting for the pre-game show. Enter our Quattro Punch. On the shopping list you’ll need gin – we’ve gone with the Roku Japanese Craft Gin – a bottle of prosecco, lemon juice, a few dashes of bitters, a pack of icing sugar and your favourite stone fruit (think peaches, nectarines, plums). Hot tip: your mates are going to love this punch (it’s guaranteed) so, to make a larger batch, all you need to do is scale up the ingredients.
Click image to shop
Click image to shop
5. Carlton Draught
Huge grab – how could we not include The Official Beer of the AFL? Carlton Draught, of course. The very first batch was delivered to pubs in 1864 and it’s been a cult classic ever since. This is a full-strength lager that’s smooth and crisp with mild malt sweetness. Watching the footy at the pub? Has to be served with a parma. At home? Fish and chips for everyone.
If you’re bringing the MCG into your backyard, it’s time to load up on Four’N Twenty pies, and you’d better throw in a few sauso rolls, too – and have them ready to grab and go from quarter time. If people are coming over a couple hours before the first bounce, then you have time for a barbecue (it is that one day in September, after all). Task your friends with bringing the salads (potato, pasta, slaw, greens, maybe even a fried rice), you look after the grilling – sausages, steaks, burgers, halloumi and mushroom – then, all you need is bread (and plenty of sauce). Now, if there’s a baker in your midst, perhaps they could whip up some Sherrin-shaped cookies. Head to Pinterest for some inspo.
You know what we’re watching, but you can catch the big dance on Channel 7, Fox Footy, Kayo or on afl.com.au. Kick off is at 2.30pm.
Serviettes, and make sure you’ve got lots of them because you just know that dark, thick pie gravy is going to be slopped down a top or two.
