The race that stops a nation is fast approaching!

Melbourne Cup is always an exciting time.  It's a great excuse to dress up, have a flutter and enjoy an afternoon of great fun with friends and collegues.

 Not all of us can make it to the actual races, but it's still fun to celebrate in style.  Here are some great ideas to get you started:

• Dress up to get into the swing of things.  Prizes for the best dresssed male and female.  This is a great way to ensure everyone gets into the spirit and can really build the excitement leading up to the celebrations. 
• A Hat competition - we've heard some great stories of silliest hat - from a tea cosy to a sequined shower cap, you can be fancy or silly.  There are no rules, this is an excuse to have fun! 
• If you're a smaller company, consider teaming up with a neighbouring companies so you can still have a festive atmosphere.  It's easy to share the expenses by designating different areas of catering to different people or companies. 
• To ensure that everything runs smoothly, have one person to oversee everything. 
• We have lots of items in stock to help give your company event a spring racing feel - you may wish to go all out and look at a marquee with all the trimmings.  Our cream market umbrellas give a great elegant spring feel while providing a bit of shade.  Most companies need to order some extra glasses and other equipment to ensure the day runs smoothly. 
• If you are serving alcohol, ensure that the HR policy is observed.  
• It's a great excuse for a company lunch.  Many caterers provide great options from the full sit down experience to platters that can be dropped off for a more ecomonical option.  Take a look at our resources page for some companies that we work with.  If your budget is tight, staff may be happy to bring in a plate or you could look at a simple BBQ lunch.  
• Put some one in charge of running the sweepstakes.  
• Make sure you have at least one TV to watch the race.