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For a Christmas party in an Australian summer, decorate for how the day actually runs: a table that handles a long lunch, lights that earn their keep once the sun finally sets, and a game or hats to get people mixing. At home, focus on the table and the backyard after dark. At the office, keep it portable with banners, table pieces, hats and a gift game that don't need a power point.
This guide covers parties. For decorating the tree and the house, see the Australian decorating guide on our Christmas collection.
Home or office at a glance
| Backyard or home party | Office party | |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | The lunch table and the evening outdoor area | A shared table or breakout space, set up and packed away quickly |
| Lighting | Solar or festoon string lights | Battery fairy lights from 2m, no power point needed |
| Table | Christmas tablecloth, pine garland runner, wine glass hats | Tableware set for 25, Santa hat cutlery holders |
| Focal piece | Christmas foil balloons, air-filled | Merry Christmas banner, Santa hats |
| Activity | Shake the box game | Gift exchange dice for Secret Santa |
Backyard and home parties
The table
The Christmas tablecloth is 140 x 220cm, sized for a rectangle table seating about six, and comes in four prints. It's polyester, so you can wipe up spills and give it a gentle cold machine wash afterwards. Down the middle, the 180cm artificial Norfolk pine garland lies flat as a runner along a six-seat table. It is plastic and must be kept away from open flames, so use LED candles or holders that lift the flame well clear. Finish with mini Santa hats for wine glasses, which also work as place markers.
Lights for after dark
Summer evenings run late, so lights matter more for the second half of the party than for lunch. The 30m solar string lights have 300 LEDs, are listed as waterproof and need no power point. The panel needs 4–8 hours of direct sun to charge, and on a full charge the string runs for 6–8 hours and switches on by itself at dusk. Expect less after an overcast day. The 20m festoon lights are listed as waterproof for indoor and outdoor use and can be swagged across a patio or pergola. Before you plan a run, check the product page for how they're powered.
For more lighting ideas, see our guide to affordable party lights for indoor and outdoor events.
Garlands on the verandah
The tinsel garland 10 pack gives you ten 2m lengths of frosted green tinsel. It can go outdoors under cover, such as on a verandah, balcony or gazebo, but bring it inside during heavy rain. Keep it away from open flames and hot lights, and pick up any loose strands if you have pets.
Office parties
Office decorations need to go up fast and come down at the end of the day. Battery fairy lights come in lengths from 2m to 10m and several colours, and they don't need a power point. Keep spare batteries nearby. Before decorating, check with whoever manages the space about what can be hung or plugged in.
A Merry Christmas banner gives the room a clear focal point, and the Santa hats 14 pack is one size to fit most adults and teens. For the food table, the party tableware set for 25 includes 25 each of dinner plates, dessert plates, cups, forks, knives, spoons and napkins, in gold or silver. Add Santa hat cutlery holders if you're setting places.
For Secret Santa, the gift exchange dice is a 12-sided die with instructions such as "Roll Again" and "Swap gifts with anyone". It works best with four or more people. The shake the box game works at home or at work. Players strap the box on and shake until all 20 balls are out.
Balloons in the heat
The Christmas balloon sets come in eight options, including Santa, Christmas tree and colour latex packs, and arrive flat. Helium makes foil balloons float for a day or two, while air-filled foil balloons taped to a wall can last for weeks. Don't over-inflate foil balloons, and keep all balloons away from heat. Keep uninflated or broken balloons away from children under 8, and keep in mind that latex can cause reactions in people with a latex allergy.
Ordering in time
From our delivery information, items are dispatched within 1 working day after full payment and are generally expected within 2–7 days, or up to 12 days for far and remote areas. That's a guideline only, and times can vary in peak periods, so order early in December instead of in the last week.
Where to shop next
- Christmas for lights, table pieces, balloons and games.
- Party Supplies & Decorations for general tableware and backdrops.
- Best party lights for every mood and theme for help choosing lights.
FAQs
What Christmas party decorations work in an Australian summer?
Choose decorations that suit a long, warm day: a wipe-clean tablecloth or garland runner, solar, festoon or battery lights for the evening, air-filled balloons kept away from heat, and a game or Santa hats to get guests mixing.
What decorations suit an office Christmas party?
Choose pieces that set up and pack down quickly and don't need a power point: battery fairy lights, a Merry Christmas banner, a tableware set for 25, Santa hats and a gift exchange dice game for Secret Santa.
Can Christmas party decorations go outside?
Some can. Check each product page. The 30m solar string lights and the 20m festoon lights are listed as waterproof, the tinsel garland is for use under cover, and the Norfolk pine garland is designed for indoor use or a covered porch.
Should Christmas party balloons be filled with air or helium?
The Christmas foil balloons take either. Helium makes them float for a day or two; air-filled balloons taped to a wall can last for weeks. Keep balloons away from heat, and keep uninflated or broken balloons away from children under 8.
When should I order Christmas party decorations?
Orders are dispatched within 1 working day after full payment and are generally expected within 2–7 days, or up to 12 days for far and remote areas. That is a guideline only and times can vary in peak periods, so order early in the season.
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