15 essentials for the ultimate election night party

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You've cast your vote and invited your friends around to watch the 2022 Australian election announcements roll in; make it a night to remember regardless of the result with this shopping list for hosting the ultimate election night party.

champagne being poured into a crystal champagne glass

champagne being poured into a crystal champagne glass

Beer and champagne glasses

Inviting friends from all corners of the political spectrum? A schooner of beer or flute of champagne can be the first step to finding common ground.

Cold storage

Whether you plug in a mini-fridge out the back or roll out a bar cart with a built-in ice bucket, keep your bevs icy cold or face the wrath of your caucus.

Bowls of snacks, including popcorn, chips and chocolate, sitting on top of a round coffee table

Bowls of snacks, including popcorn, chips and chocolate, sitting on top of a round coffee table

Plenty of snacks

Bust out your serving bowls and cheese boards, then squiz our post on how to cater for a crowd.

Colourful tablecloths

Whether you lean red, blue, green or teal, splash your political preference across the snack table with a tablecloth that nods to your party’s colours.

BBQ accessories

When it’s time to fire up the barbie, ensure you're prepped and ready with a solid pair of tongs, a grill basket and more.

A long platter sitting on a table filled with cooked prawns, oysters and slices of lemon

A long platter sitting on a table filled with cooked prawns, oysters and slices of lemon

Platters for snags, prawns and veggies

Beautiful platters are your best bet for plating up a serve-yourself style dinner that still reads stylish.

Outdoor games

Getting started in the afternoon? Let out some tension with a backyard game of giant Jenga or a round of croquet. Looser finishes their drink!

A fire pit or outdoor heater

Don’t give up on your alfresco party just because the sun has set. A fire pit or outdoor heater will keep the outdoor vibe alive.

A tiled outdoor area with two chairs placed around a metal fire pit. Fairy lights are strung up above the seating area.

A tiled outdoor area with two chairs placed around a metal fire pit. Fairy lights are strung up above the seating area.

Party lights

String up some festoon lights to create an atmosphere after dark.

Speakers for your favourite tunes

A portable Bluetooth speaker that can move with the crowd takes the stress out of setting up a sound system.

A person stepping onto a colourful rug, holding a glass of red wine that is spilling over the edge of the glass and onto the rug

A person stepping onto a colourful rug, holding a glass of red wine that is spilling over the edge of the glass and onto the rug

Party-proof rugs

Protect your floors with a synthetic rug that can handle foot traffic (and any drinks that go astray).

Board games and cards

Once the crowd heads inside, keep them busy with a few good board games. Guess The Politician, anyone?

Comfy seating

When it is getting down to the nitty-gritty, and everyone is glued to the TV, make sure there’s lots of comfy seating. Think bean bags, floor cushions, pouffes, and throw blankets for extra cosiness.

three friends sitting in a living room on a couch armchair and cushions with snacks on the coffee table in front of them

three friends sitting in a living room on a couch armchair and cushions with snacks on the coffee table in front of them

A calming aroma diffuser

Soothe any nerves and conjure positive energy with an aroma diffuser or scented candle.

A massage gun

If the election results don’t bring you sweet relief, a massage gun will. Pass it around the room to help with all the knots built up during the night.

Check out our election night party mood board to shop these items, plus more.