25 Australia Day Table Decor Tips to Celebrate in Style

Written by Derek Ledezma in Table Decor

I spent $180 on Australia Day party supplies last year and threw half of it in the trash the next morning. This year, I figured out how to create a table that photographs like those fancy party blogs but uses items I’ll actually keep—or costs so little I don’t feel guilty tossing it. These 25 tips gave me a setup that looked intentional, not like I panic-bought everything at the party store an hour before guests arrived.

Most of these ideas work for outdoor BBQ setups or indoor dining tables. I’m working with modern Australian style—think native flowers instead of plastic koalas, sophisticated color blocking instead of flag overload. Budget ranges from $80-150 for a complete table that seats 8-10, with options to go higher if you want reusable pieces for next year.

What You’ll Need to Get This Look

Table Foundation:

Patriotic Elements:

Natural Elements:

Glassware & Serving:

Quick Decorative Touches:

Budget-Friendly Disposables:

Navy Tablecloth as Your Blank Canvas

Style/Vibe: Classic Foundation
Budget: $$ (under $50)
Best For: Any table setup, indoor or outdoor

Every Australia Day table I’ve styled starts with a navy tablecloth, and it’s the one thing I actually spend money on. Skip the plastic—it photographs badly and blows around in the wind. I use this navy linen-blend tablecloth because the fabric weight keeps it in place during outdoor BBQs and the color doesn’t compete with your red and white accents.

The navy creates a sophisticated base that makes even cheap party supplies look intentional. I learned this from a stylist friend: dark tablecloths hide spills better than white, and navy specifically makes red napkins and white plates pop without looking like a literal flag. For an 8-foot table, you need 60×120 inches minimum. The biggest mistake I see is using tablecloths that are too small—they should hang 10-12 inches over the edge, not barely cover the surface.

Red, White, and Blue Color Blocking That Feels Elevated

Style/Vibe: Modern Patriotic
Budget: $$ (under $100)
Best For: Formal dining setup, photographable moments

Color blocking in thirds is how you avoid the “elementary school craft project” look with patriotic colors. I divide my table into zones: navy tablecloth base, white plates and serving dishes, red napkins and accent pieces. The trick is keeping each color in distinct areas rather than mixing them together in patterns.

I use these white porcelain dinner plates as my foundation because they’re plain enough to use year-round, not just for Australia Day. Then I add red linen napkins folded into thirds and placed to the left of each plate. The key ratio: 60% navy (tablecloth), 30% white (plates, serving ware), 10% red (napkins, flowers). This keeps it sophisticated instead of overwhelming. Never match all three colors equally—it reads as trying too hard.

Green and Gold for the Sport-Loving Crowd

Style/Vibe: Contemporary Australian
Budget: $$ (under $80)
Best For: Casual BBQ, outdoor entertaining

Green and gold is having a moment as the alternative to traditional flag colors, and honestly, it’s easier to style. I noticed this trend at my neighbor’s party last year—no red or blue in sight, just bottles of green glass and gold accents everywhere. It felt modern and still distinctly Australian without being obvious about it.

I switched to these bottle green drinking glasses this year and they completely changed my table. Pair them with gold/mustard cloth napkins and you’ve got the national sporting colors without a single flag. Add eucalyptus stems in clear vases and you’re done. The mistake most people make is going too bright with the gold—think muted mustard or burnt gold, not school bus yellow. This palette photographs incredibly well and works for any Australian celebration beyond just Australia Day.

Native Eucalyptus Stems in Simple Glass Vases

Style/Vibe: Natural Elegant
Budget: $$ (under $60)
Best For: Indoor and outdoor centerpieces

Eucalyptus is my secret to making a budget table look expensive. Real eucalyptus lasts about two weeks, but I’ve switched to high-quality artificial because I can use it every year and it looks identical in photos. The key is buying stems that have varied leaf sizes and natural color variation, not that uniform fake-looking green.

I arrange these artificial eucalyptus stems in three clear cylinder vases of different heights—8, 10, and 12 inches—and place them in a row down the table center. Use odd numbers of vases (3 or 5) and vary the stem count per vase. Taller vases get 5-7 stems, shorter ones get 3-4. The most common mistake is overstuffing vases, which looks messy instead of natural. Eucalyptus is distinctly Australian without being literal, and the silvery-green color works with both red/white/blue and green/gold palettes.

Mini Flag Forest Down the Table Center

Style/Vibe: Festive Traditional
Budget: $ (under $30)
Best For: Casual outdoor celebrations, kid-friendly setups

I bought a pack of 24 mini stick flags for $12 and created an entire centerpiece by spacing them down my 8-foot table in small glass holders. It’s simple, inexpensive, and kids love it—they took them home as party favors afterward.

The secret is using small glass votive holders with a bit of sand or rice in the bottom to stabilize the flag sticks. I place one mini Australian flag every 12-14 inches down the table, creating a visual rhythm without overwhelming the space. This works because of repetition—one flag looks random, but 8-10 flags in a row looks intentional. Avoid the temptation to add other centerpiece elements; the simplicity is what makes this work. The biggest mistake is using flags that are too large for the votive holders—they tip over in wind. Stick with 4×6 inch flags maximum.

White Plates Over Everything Else

Style/Vibe: Elevated Foundation
Budget: $$$ ($40-70)
Best For: Any setup where you want to layer disposables over permanent pieces

This is the single best investment for Australia Day entertaining: plain white dinner plates that you’ll use forever. I layer disposable red plates on top for serving, but having the white base underneath makes everything look deliberate instead of cheap.

Buy a set of 8-12 white porcelain plates with completely plain surfaces—no texture, no rim pattern. The reason this works is psychological: guests see real plates first, then notice the disposable convenience on top. I use 10-inch dinner plates as the base, then 9-inch disposables on top. The white also reflects light beautifully in photos, making your whole table look brighter. The mistake people make is buying white plates with decorative edges thinking they’re fancier—plain is actually more versatile and modern.

Australian Flag as Table Runner

Style/Vibe: Bold Patriotic
Budget: $ (under $20)
Best For: Photo backdrop moments, casual outdoor setups

I saw someone use a car flag as a table runner last year and thought it was genius. Instead of buying expensive bunting, I spent $10 on a 3×5 foot Australian flag and laid it lengthwise down my table as the centerpiece.

This works because the flag becomes a dramatic backdrop for white plates and clear glassware placed on either side. I don’t put anything directly on the flag—it’s purely decorative and runs the length of the table. Use clips or small weights at the corners to keep it from blowing if you’re outside. The key is buying a flag that’s actually fabric, not that thin plastic stuff from dollar stores that photographs terribly. After Australia Day, I store it folded and reuse it next year. The common mistake is draping flags vertically behind the table, which blocks conversation—horizontal along the table center keeps sightlines clear while maximizing patriotic impact.

Balloon Garland in Green and Gold

Style/Vibe: Modern Festive
Budget: $$ (under $70)
Best For: Photo booth backdrop, outdoor fence decoration

Balloon garlands look expensive but cost about $40 if you DIY. I made mine using green and gold balloon kit that came with everything—balloons in different sizes, balloon tape strip, and glue dots. Took me 45 minutes to assemble.

The trick is mixing three sizes of balloons (5-inch, 11-inch, and 16-inch) and alternating matte with metallic finishes. I hang mine on the fence behind my outdoor table or across the patio overhang using command hooks. Green and gold feels more sophisticated than red/white/blue for balloons because it’s less expected. Create organic curves, not perfect arches—the random clustering looks more modern. Biggest mistake is uniform balloon sizes, which reads flat in photos. You want depth and dimension, so cluster small balloons between large ones.

Cloth Napkins Folded into Thirds

Style/Vibe: Classic Dining
Budget: $$ (under $30)
Best For: Formal place settings, indoor dining

Napkin folding was my nemesis until I learned this dead-simple technique: fold cloth napkins into thirds lengthwise, then fold in half. It takes 10 seconds per napkin and looks intentional. I use red linen-blend napkins because the color pops against navy and white, and linen has enough body to hold the fold.

Place the folded napkin to the left of each plate, or on top if you’re stacking courses. I add a small Australian flag toothpick tucked into the fold as a finishing touch. This beats those complicated napkin origami tutorials that fall apart when someone picks them up. Cloth napkins are worth the investment—they’re reusable, photograph better than paper, and instantly make your table feel more intentional. The mistake is over-complicating folds; simple geometry beats fancy every time.

Repurposed Glass Jars as Vases

Style/Vibe: Quirky DIY
Budget: $ (under $20 for flowers only)
Best For: Casual setups, budget-conscious styling

I stopped buying vases when I realized my pasta sauce jars work perfectly after soaking off the labels. Last Australia Day, I used five different repurposed jars as vases and got more compliments on them than anything else on my table.

The key is removing labels completely using this label remover so they look intentional, not trashy. I fill them with artificial eucalyptus and small red flowers, then cluster 3-5 jars of varying heights down the table. This works because the mismatched containers feel authentic and Australian—casual, resourceful, unpretentious. Use odd numbers of jars and group them in clusters rather than spacing them evenly. The mistake is mixing too many jar styles; stick with clear glass only, no colored glass or different finishes.

Acrylic Glasses for Outdoor Safety

Style/Vibe: Practical Modern
Budget: $$ (under $40)
Best For: Outdoor BBQ, poolside, families with kids

Real glass and outdoor Australia Day parties don’t mix—too much wind, too many kids, too much risk. I switched to shatterproof acrylic wine glasses three years ago and never looked back.

The quality has improved so much that guests can’t tell they’re plastic unless they pick them up. I buy stemless because they’re more stable in wind, and clear acrylic because colored options look obviously fake. For water and soft drinks, these acrylic tumblers work perfectly. The key is hand-washing them gently—dishwashers cloud them over time. I use these for every outdoor party now, not just Australia Day. The mistake people make is buying cheap acrylic that scratches easily; spend $30-40 on quality glasses and they’ll last years.

Natural Jute Twine for Cutlery Bundles

Style/Vibe: Rustic Australian
Budget: $ (under $15)
Best For: Buffet-style serving, casual outdoor dining

Instead of setting individual place settings, I bundle cutlery in napkins tied with twine for my buffet-style Australia Day BBQ. Guests grab a bundle when they get their food, and it looks way more intentional than loose silverware in a pile.

Roll knife, fork, and spoon in a white paper napkin, then tie with natural jute twine. I tuck a small eucalyptus sprig or artificial wattle stem under the twine as a finishing touch. Stack the bundles in a galvanized bucket or basket near the food station. This works because it’s self-service and adds that rustic Australian aesthetic without trying hard. Use thick twine (3-4mm) so it doesn’t cut into the napkin, and tie with a simple square knot—bows look too fussy.

LED String Lights for Afternoon-to-Evening Transition

Style/Vibe: Ambient Festive
Budget: $$ (under $25)
Best For: Outdoor parties extending past sunset

Australia Day is January 26, which means long summer evenings where your party transitions from afternoon to dusk. I string battery-operated LED lights across my patio before guests arrive so they’re ready when the sun sets.

Battery-powered is crucial—no extension cords to trip over, and you can position them anywhere. I use warm white, not cool white or colored lights, because they create a soft ambiance that flatters everyone in photos. String them in zigzag patterns overhead or wrap them around fence posts. Turn them on about 30 minutes before sunset so the transition is gradual. The mistake is waiting until it’s dark to turn them on—you want that golden hour glow where natural and artificial light mix. These outdoor-rated lights have lasted me three summers without issues.

Bamboo Serving Platters for Natural Texture

Style/Vibe: Organic Modern
Budget: $$ (under $40)
Best For: Food presentation, buffet styling

Bamboo serving platters changed my buffet game. They’re lightweight, inexpensive, and add organic texture that makes even store-bought food look homemade. I use these rectangular bamboo trays for everything—cheese and crackers, sliced meats, desserts.

The natural wood color works with any Australia Day color scheme and contrasts beautifully against navy tablecloths. I stack different sizes (small for condiments, large for mains) and they take up less storage space than ceramic. The key is buying smooth bamboo without obvious glue lines or rough edges. Hand-wash only—dishwashers warp bamboo over time. These work year-round for any party, not just Australia Day. The mistake is overcrowding the platters; leave negative space so each item is identifiable.

White Votive Candles for Warm Ambiance

Style/Vibe: Classic Elegant
Budget: $ (under $25)
Best For: Evening entertaining, romantic outdoor dinners

I scatter 10-15 white votive candles down my table for evening Australia Day celebrations, and the warm glow makes everything feel special. They’re cheap, safe in glass holders, and create that restaurant ambiance without expensive table lamps.

Buy unscented white votives in bulk—scented candles compete with food smells. Place them in clear glass votive holders down the table center, spacing them every 18-24 inches. I mix candles with eucalyptus stems and mini flags for a layered centerpiece. The flickering light photographs beautifully at dusk. Never use candles in high wind—they’ll blow out constantly. For windy outdoor setups, switch to battery-operated tea lights that look identical to real candles.

Red Geranium Potted Plants as Centerpieces

Style/Vibe: Casual Patriotic
Budget: $ ($6-10 per plant)
Best For: Budget decorating, take-home party favors

Live red geraniums are my budget secret—$6 each at the nursery, they’re bright, cheerful, and guests can take them home as favors. I line 5-7 small pots down my table for instant color.

If using real plants, buy them two days before so they’re fully blooming on Australia Day. For reusable decor, artificial red geraniums in small pots work perfectly and look realistic from even two feet away. I wrap navy grosgrain ribbon around basic terra cotta pots for a finished look. Space them evenly down the table, or cluster in groups of three. The red flowers provide that patriotic color punch without literal flags. Avoid mixing flower types—all geraniums creates cohesion, while mixing varieties looks chaotic.

Layered Table Height with Cake Stands

Style/Vibe: Dynamic Presentation
Budget: $$ (under $60)
Best For: Dessert displays, buffet food stations

Flat tables are boring. I use white cake stands in three heights to create levels for food presentation, and it makes my buffet look professionally styled.

Place the tallest stand (12+ inches) in the back or center, medium (8-10 inches) to the side, shortest (4-6 inches) in front. This creates depth that photographs well and helps guests see all options at once. I use them for desserts, cheese platters, fruit arrangements—anything you want to elevate literally and figuratively. White stands work with any color scheme and don’t compete with the food. The mistake is using decorative stands with busy patterns; plain white is most versatile. These work year-round for every party, making them worth the investment.

Paper Napkin Backup for Messy Foods

Style/Vibe: Practical Hybrid
Budget: $ (under $10)
Best For: BBQ meats, saucy foods, kid-friendly setups

I set my formal table with cloth napkins, but I keep red paper cocktail napkins at the food station because BBQ sauce and cloth napkins are enemies. This hybrid approach looks thoughtful instead of cheap.

Stack paper napkins near saucy foods, grilled meats, or desserts. Guests appreciate having disposables for messy eating without ruining the cloth napkins at their place settings. Buy napkins in your table color scheme—red for patriotic themes, green for alternative palettes. I go through about 100 cocktail napkins for 10-12 guests at a full BBQ. The key is placement: don’t put them on the formal table, keep them at the serving station. This signals “use these for messy foods, save your cloth napkin for dinner.”

Large Mirror Behind Table to Reflect Light

Style/Vibe: Space-Expanding Elegance
Budget: $$$ ($60-120)
Best For: Indoor dining, small spaces, dark rooms

If you’re celebrating Australia Day indoors instead of outside, a large round mirror hung behind your table doubles the visual impact of your styling and bounces light around the room.

I mounted a 36-inch round mirror behind my dining table and it made the whole room feel bigger and brighter. The mirror reflects your centerpiece, candles, and place settings, creating depth. This works year-round, not just for Australia Day, making it a worthwhile investment. Position it at seated eye level (about 60 inches from floor to center). The reflection should show your table styling, not the ceiling. Avoid mirrors with heavy frames that compete with your decor; simple round or rectangular mirrors in thin frames work best. This is especially effective if your dining area lacks natural light.

Mixed Metal Accents for Modern Edge

Style/Vibe: Contemporary Glam
Budget: $$ (under $70)
Best For: Modern homes, trend-conscious styling

Matching your metals is outdated. I mix gold flatware with silver serving pieces and it looks more current and collected than perfectly matched sets.

The rule is to use one metal as your dominant (70% of pieces) and accent with the other (30%). I use gold for cutlery and silver for serving platters and napkin rings. This works with green and gold Australia Day palettes or red/white/blue schemes. The mixed metals add sophistication and dimension that single-finish tables lack. Buy quality finishes that won’t chip or tarnish—cheap gold plating looks tacky after one wash. The mistake is mixing more than two metals, which reads as chaotic rather than intentional.

Clear Plastic Cups Dressed Up with Labels

Style/Vibe: Budget Elevated
Budget: $ (under $20)
Best For: Outdoor parties, large gatherings, kid-safe setups

Plain clear plastic cups look cheap, but add small Australian flag stickers or gold foil dot labels and suddenly they feel custom and intentional. I prep these the morning of my party.

Buy 16-ounce clear plastic cups—not the flimsy kind—and add one small sticker to each cup. This makes it easy for guests to identify their drink and reduces waste because they won’t abandon cups thinking they’re “just plastic.” For green and gold themes, use gold stickers. For traditional patriotic, use flag stickers. The key is placing stickers consistently in the same spot on each cup (I do 2 inches from rim). Takes 10 minutes to prep 50 cups and makes a noticeable difference in how pulled-together your party looks.

Eucalyptus Tied Around Napkins with Twine

Style/Vibe: Botanical Minimalist
Budget: $ (under $20)
Best For: Formal place settings, nature-inspired styling

A single eucalyptus stem tied around each napkin with twine is the easiest detail that makes the biggest impact. It takes 30 seconds per place setting and costs maybe $15 for enough greenery to serve 12 people.

I use artificial eucalyptus stems cut into 6-8 inch pieces and natural jute twine. Roll your napkin, wrap twine around the center, tuck a eucalyptus sprig under the twine, and tie a simple knot. Place on each plate before guests arrive. This works with cloth or paper napkins, any color scheme, and adds that natural Australian element without being literal. The mistake is using too much greenery—one delicate stem is elegant, three stems is a bouquet that overwhelms the napkin.

Wooden Serving Boards for Rustic Elegance

Style/Vibe: Farmhouse Casual
Budget: $$ (under $50)
Best For: Cheese boards, charcuterie, bread service

Wooden serving boards add warmth and texture to any table, and they’re functional for serving cheese, meats, or bread. I use acacia wood boards in varying sizes for different courses.

The natural wood grain contrasts beautifully against navy tablecloths and white plates. I arrange cheese and crackers on long boards (18-24 inches) and use smaller round boards for bread or desserts. Wood is forgiving for outdoor entertaining—it doesn’t break if dropped and has natural anti-bacterial properties. Hand-wash with mild soap, never soak, and oil occasionally with food-safe mineral oil. The biggest mistake is buying boards that are too small; you want substantial size that makes a statement, not tiny coasters.

Australian Flag Bunting Along Fence or Balcony

Style/Vibe: Traditional Festive
Budget: $ (under $25)
Best For: Outdoor perimeter decoration, photo backgrounds

Flag bunting is the classic Australia Day decoration, but I use it as backdrop along fences or balconies rather than over the table where it blocks conversation and looks cluttered.

I string Australian flag bunting along my back fence behind the table, creating a patriotic backdrop that photographs well without interfering with sightlines. Use outdoor command hooks for damage-free hanging. The key is keeping bunting tight and level—saggy bunting looks sad. I measure and place hooks every 3-4 feet, then string the bunting between them. For balconies, drape bunting along the railing. Avoid hanging bunting directly over the table or food, which creates a cluttered feeling. Perimeter decoration defines your party space without overwhelming it.

Striped Table Runner in Red and White

Style/Vibe: Nautical Patriotic
Budget: $$ (under $35)
Best For: Adding pattern without overwhelming, layering textures

A red and white striped table runner over a navy tablecloth gives you all three patriotic colors in a graphic, modern way. I learned this from a coastal restaurant in Sydney—stripes feel Australian without being obvious about it.

The runner should be 12-15 inches wide and run the full length of your table. I place white plates on either side of the runner, not on top of it, so the stripes remain visible. This creates a visual centerline that helps guests understand the table layout. Cotton or linen runners work better than polyester—they lay flatter and look more expensive. The mistake is using runners that are too narrow (under 10 inches) which look like ribbons, not table decor. Stripes add movement and energy that solid colors lack.

Individual Bud Vases at Each Place Setting

Style/Vibe: Romantic Garden
Budget: $$ (under $40)
Best For: Intimate dinners, formal celebrations, double-duty favors

Instead of one large centerpiece, I place small glass bud vases at each place setting with a single stem of eucalyptus or small native flower. It’s more work, but the effect is magical—everyone gets their own mini arrangement.

Buy 8-12 identical small vases (4-6 inches tall) and add one stem per vase. I use eucalyptus because it’s inexpensive and lasts, but you could do single red carnations or native wattle. Place each vase above the plate at the 12 o’clock position. At the end of the night, vases become party favors guests can take home. This works because it’s unexpected—most people do one big centerpiece, but individual arrangements feel more thoughtful and personalized. The key is keeping arrangements simple—one stem only, not mini bouquets.

Shopping Tips for These Looks

Buy permanent pieces in neutrals, temporary in patriotic colors: I invested in navy tablecloths and white plates that work year-round, then added cheap red napkins and Australian flags I can toss or store. This navy tablecloth has lasted three years and works for every party.

Artificial eucalyptus beats real for multi-day setups: Real eucalyptus browns within a week in summer heat. High-quality artificial stems look identical in photos, never wilt, and store flat for next year.

Test acrylic glasses before committing: Not all acrylic is equal. These shatterproof wine glasses are crystal-clear and feel substantial, unlike cheaper versions that cloud immediately.

Buy twine in bulk, not craft store packets: I go through 100+ feet of twine for one party doing napkin ties and cutlery bundles. This 328-foot spool costs the same as those tiny craft store packets.

Stock up on white votives after holidays: White votive candles are marked down 50% after Christmas. I buy 100 at a time and use them year-round.

Fabric tablecloths are cheaper than you think: I assumed fabric was expensive until I found this 60×102 navy tablecloth for $22. Wash on delicate, hang dry, and it looks like $80.

One large flag beats ten small flags for budget impact: A single 3×5 foot flag used as a table runner or backdrop costs $12 and creates more visual impact than $40 worth of mini flags scattered everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I use disposable or real plates for Australia Day?
A: Layer both. Use real white dinner plates as the base with disposable red or navy plates on top. You get easy cleanup with an elevated look that doesn’t scream “paper plate party.”

Q: How do I keep my tablecloth from blowing away outside?
A: Buy fabric instead of plastic—it’s heavier. Use tablecloth clips on the corners, or my trick: place your heaviest serving platters on the fabric edges before guests arrive, then move them to the center when serving.

Q: What’s the most budget-friendly centerpiece idea?
A: Repurposed glass jars filled with artificial eucalyptus stems. Jars are free (save pasta sauce containers), eucalyptus is $15 for a bundle, and you can reuse everything next year. Total cost under $20 for a full table.

Q: Real or artificial flowers for hot January weather?
A: Artificial for anything that sits out more than 2 hours. Realistic artificial eucalyptus and faux red geraniums survive Aussie summer heat without wilting. Real flowers brown in direct sun within hours.

Q: How many mini flags do I need for an 8-foot table?
A: About 8-10 flags spaced every 12 inches creates visual rhythm without overwhelming. This pack of 24 mini flags gives you enough for the table plus extras for food markers or take-home favors.

Q: Can I mix green/gold with red/white/blue decorations?
A: Pick one color scheme and commit. Mixing both reads as confused rather than patriotic. Green and gold feels modern and sporting; red/white/blue feels traditional. Choose based on your party vibe, don’t try to combine them.

Start with the simplest swap—buy a navy tablecloth and white plates if you don’t own them already. Everything else builds from that foundation. Which of these tips are you most excited to try for your Australia Day celebration?

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