The Melbourne Cup may be “the race that stops the nation,” but in Sydney, it’s a regular Tuesday in November — right in the middle of the workday. That’s where the challenge begins for workplace organisers.

EAs, HR managers, and office coordinators are often tasked with pulling together something fun, professional, and inclusive — all while managing time, budget, and compliance. Add in hybrid teams, dietary requirements, and differing views on racing & gambling, and it’s no small feat.

The good news? With the right planning and the right partners, your workplace Melbourne Cup celebration can be easy to organise, inclusive for everyone, and a real boost for team morale. From curated catering and barista coffee options to after-hours venue ideas, Fossix can help make Cup Day planning seamless & enjoyable.

Here’s our Five Step Plan to creating a celebration that your team will remember (for the right reasons).

Step 1 – Start with a Simple Plan

A little groundwork makes the day stress-free. First, confirm the format:

Timeframe: Most offices allow 1–2 hours around the 3pm race — either extending lunch into the race timing or hosting a short afternoon event.
Budget: Factor in catering, drinks, decorations, and small prizes.
Leadership buy-in: Set expectations upfront — will the office close early, or return to work post-race?

Choose your setting:

In-office: Keep it simple with Fossix drop-off catering with added Cup aesthetics & décor. Fossix, as the premium corporate caterer in Sydney, offer grazing boards, large grazing tables, team style finger food, and even onsite coffee options to make planning the Cup Day special and stress-free.
Venue option: Want everything taken care of? Fossix’s Gateway Lounge in Circular Quay offers semi-private CBD spaces with the option for catering, AV, styling, and onsite event coordination.

Cup Day planning checklist:

Send invites or calendar holds 2–3 weeks ahead
Plan for Fossix Catering at least 1–2 weeks prior
Organise a TV/projector for the race livestream
Designate an MC or host to keep things flowing
Decide on finish time: back to work or wrap up early

Step 2 – Food & Drinks That Impress Without Stress

Food & beverages are the centrepiece of any Cup celebration. Make it easy, fresh, and shareable.

Easy-to-share catering

Grazing tables: Cheeses, charcuterie, seasonal fruits.
Finger food: Skewers, sliders, sushi, savoury tartlets to name a few.
Sweet treats: Cupcakes, cookies, and bite-sized cakes with a Cup Day theme.

Beverage choices

Traditionally champagne is popular, but balance it with wine, beer, and non-alcoholic alternatives like sparkling juices, or iced teas. Fossix can deliver against all your beverage needs.
Don’t forget water stations and glassware to keep things polished.
Office-friendly twist: Kick the day off with on-site Fossix signature drinks selections, including strawberry matcha, iced teas and caramel flavoured coffees.

Inclusivity matters

Always provide vegan, gluten-free, halal, and allergy-friendly options.

💡 Fossix makes Cup Day easy with curated grazing boxes or large grazing tables, premium canapés, team finger foods and on-site cocktail or mocktail bars — all tailored to Sydney CBD offices.

Step 3 – Games & Activities to Keep the Energy Up

The race itself lasts just three minutes. Plan activities before and after to maintain energy.

Classic favourites

Office sweep: Keep it simple — horse names in a hat, small buy-in, prize split.
Best dressed / Fashions on the Field: Encourage fascinators, colourful ties, or fun dress-ups with small prizes.
Desk decorating challenge: Teams transform workspaces with spring racing themes.
Trivia quiz: Melbourne Cup history, famous horses, or general knowledge.

Inclusive alternatives

Charity raffle: Donate entry fees to a chosen cause.
Interactive demo: Coffee, mocktail, or food workshop.

Remote-friendly options

Virtual sweeps emailed out in advance.
Send snack boxes or vouchers to WFH staff.

Step 4 – Set the Scene with Office-Friendly Decorations

Atmosphere matters. Even simple décor can transform your space.

Artificial turf runners for tables.
Balloons in spring colours.
Fresh flowers (aromatic roses for Flemington vibes).
Props: trophies, horseshoes, equestrian cutouts.
Photo corner: Backdrop with props like hats and oversized champagne glasses.
Arrange seating around a big screen for the race broadcast.

👉 Pro tip: Invite staff to help decorate in the morning for team bonding.

Or, leave the styling to the experts — at Fossix’s Gateway Lounge in Circular Quay, we can set your space to be fully prepared with AV, seating, and themed décor so you can simply arrive and enjoy.

Step 5 – Keep It Professional (Policies & Etiquette)

Even fun needs structure. Keep things professional with clear guidelines:

Clarify expectations: In NSW it’s not a public holiday, so outline what happens after the race.
Alcohol: Encourage moderation, provide plenty of food, and consider a 2-drink cap.
Participation: Keep everything optional — no pressure to gamble, drink, or dress up.

Communication: Send a pre-event email with time, dress suggestions, activity options, and a note on responsible behaviour.

Conclusion: Make Cup Day About Connection

A Melbourne Cup office celebration doesn’t need to be about betting or bubbles. Done thoughtfully, it’s a chance to bring people together, boost morale, and celebrate the season with style.

With Fossix as your Melbourne Cup catering partner ensuring your menu is inclusive, paired with flexible activities, your workplace can enjoy Cup Day without stress.

👉 Let Fossix handle the catering, coffee, and event setup — so you can focus on connecting with your team while the race stops the nation.

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Melbourne Cup Office Ideas for Sydney Workplaces