Every year I try to host an Australia Day BBQ.  You know the kind of casual BBQ where everyone just helps themselves and there’s at least one round of street cricket.  Well this year is no different.  Actually, I lie it will be different because for the first time ever we won’t have to have cricket in the street we’ll have it in our backyard!

(Which will be a lot safer for us but more of a pain when the ball is hit out of bounds!)

I’m a party planner from way back so with Australia Day looming on the calendar I started making preparations for it back in December. (What? I like to be prepared!) Because we’ve moved into the new house I needed (ok, used as an excuse) to pick up some additional party items for our house so I went to the greatest place on Earth; Target.

(Ok, so that might be Disneyland for some people but not for me!)

Before I headed into the store I did some reconnaissance online to see what Target had that I needed. (Yes, it’s a need – I need my home to be stylish!)

a. 10 Pack Solar String Lanterns in Red – These also come in White and Blue, so you can be even more patriotic. b. Large Tray in Blue c. Hampton Tablecloth d. Napkin Holder in Clear e. Initial 24 Piece Cutlery Set & Caddy in Black f. Hampton Stripe Bowl g. Island Bean Bag – Aussie h. Slip ‘n Slide Hydroplane Single + Bonus Slide Boogie i. Jaime Oliver Large Tablecloth

While surfing the online store a party theme of Red, White and Blue had started to form in my head. I figured it would be cool, contemporary, summery and each of the pieces would be able to be used again after the event.

I went in to Target and promptly forgot about my list when I saw they had AUSTRALIA DAY CLOTHING!

…Free Fusion Aussie Oi Tank…

I just loved these yellow singlets – they reminded me of the 80′s one day cricket crowd shots. I had to have one!  (It will go well with my Boonie Moustache!)

…Free Fusion Australian Flag Crop Tee…

Then I found this great Australian Flag t-shirt and I promptly put the yellow singlet back and decided that I would drape myself in the Aussie Flag instead. (Also figured the darker blue would make me less of a target for the ball when we play cricket!)  It was my party theme in a shirt!

I now had my outfit sorted I just had to find something for HUBBY to wear….

…Free Fusion Bikini Print Tank…

Seems I need not have worried about finding something for him to wear he could find it all by his lonesome.  Thank goodness he’s got the body to carry this off!

With our wardrobe sorted I thought I would head on over to Target‘s book section and see if I could find an inspiration for our BBQ menu.

…cookbooks galore…

I managed to find 4 cookbooks that would be a great addition to our collection. And best of all; all of these books were on sale. Howzat! (I’m practicing for the cricket match… )

With wardrobe and menu sorted it just left hunting down all the items on my shopping list. Simple.

(The great thing is that I knew even if I couldn’t find them in store I could get them off the Target website.  By the time you calculate fuel costs, time it takes to get in and out of shopping centers, dealing with the kids in public and the cost of paid parking at shopping centers these days it’s almost like Target are paying you to do your shopping online as they have a flat $9 shipping fee♠!)

I’m so excited about our Australia Day party, I just hope the weather cools down a bit in time!

Are you planning anything for Australia Day? Is there anything you’re lusting after at Target? Got any tips on how to have an awesome party?  I’d love to hear from you!

♠ Terms and conditions apply to the shipping fee, check out the details here.

This post was brought to you by Target.