Tuesday, December 11, 2007

You're All Invited

Sign Up For The Great Big Aussie Christmas Bash

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON


So you want to know what the Great Big Aussie Christmas Bash is all about? Allow me to explain. Drum roll, please, maestro ....

What is it?

It's not a political party. It's a post-Christmas recovery party. You don't need to travel, you don't need to leave home, you don't need to help clean up afterwards. All you need is a computer and an internet connection and you can join in the e-party. As I said in my earlier posts Party Politics and Party To The Decision, everyone's invited.

When is the e-party?

On 27 December. That'll give everyone time to recover from Christmas hangovers.

What will it cost?

Nuffin. Zilch. Nada. It's an e-party. Have mouse, will travel. And most of all, have fun.

Why are we having an e-party?

'Cause we can. 'Cause it doesn't cost a cent. And 'cause I genuinely enjoy your company.

Where is the e-party?

Right here on this blog.

Will there be presents?

Yes, there will be presents. Not real presents, of course, but a fellow blogger came up with this wonderful suggestion. Have a think about a "virtual gift" that symbolises your home country or home state or something that sums up your own personality.

How do I accept this invitation?

All you need to do is to leave me a comment here, in this format:
a) the one dish you want on the menu, be it a main course or a dessert
b) the drink/s you want
c) The "virtual gift" that you'd like to bring.

Does everyone get a virtual present?

Yep, you sure do. All will be revealed. Trust me. But remember, they're virtual presents!

Keep watching this blog for updates!

47 comments:

Martin Stickland said...

What a great Idea! Do you pay for the cabs home?

1. I would like some peanut butter sandwiches but without peanut in the ingredients in case I am allergic to it.

2. Any drink will do as long as it's wet and makes me walk like a giraffe with rubber legs

3. I want to bring a gift of love and peace to the world and I ........ Oh forget that old clap trap I just want to bring some more booze!

david mcmahon said...

Hi Martin,

Yes, classic black London cabs! Mate, I like your style. I want to see you do the giraffe-with-rubber-legs impression!

Keep smiling

David

lecram sinun said...

great idea... let me check the calendar and time difference on my end. Cheers and thanks for the visit.

Tys on Ice said...

iam on...wud need u to have a sofa ready in case i pass out.

1. i wud like crumb fired calamari..tons of it

2. jack daniel

3. iam gonna bring with me a stripper...iam virtually going to have some fun :)

rock on...

lime said...

1. lots of cookies!

2. mulled cider

3. hhmmm, if i am going to represent my home culture maybe i will bring a little belsnickel figurine. if i am going to represent trinidad i'll bring some entertainment...a parang band we can all dance to.

i beati said...

Yes I'd like organic vegetable and fruit juices since that's all my illness (cancer ) allows, and my gift will be to prove that I can still be happy even after my little grandaughter Mara Grace leaves on the 26th. Last year as I was crying when she left she said in her inimitable 4 year old wisdom"Grandy , when you are sad , just think of us together on the carousel and playing together"(oh that I had such sage words!!)

david mcmahon said...

Hi Lecram,

No worries, party starts 27th Australian time, so it could rock on for a while.

Get your social secretary to check your calendar!!

Keep smiling

David

david mcmahon said...

Hi Tys,

We Aussies buy ``stripper'' in hardware stores (paint stripper!!)

Looking forward to catching up with you again ...

Keep smiling

David

david mcmahon said...

Hi Lime,

Cookies - now you're talkin'!!!

Parang band sounds great.

Keep smiling

David

david mcmahon said...

Hi ibeati,

Four-year-olds have more wisdom than most adults. Sounds like the timing is great for the party after she kisses you goodbye.

Organic vegetable and fruit juices are on order already ...

Keep smiling

David

Melissa said...

1. Some sort of dish that Australia is known for, NOT that Vegemite stuff. I have tried that and it's nasty! David's friend was from Australia so they always had that in their house because Greg's kids loved it! What is Australia known for as far as food goes?

2. Hot cider

3. Something that represents my state is buckeyes, and I would bring the candy kind of buckeyes with the peanut butter balls dipped in chocolate to look like a buckeye.

Since I'm a crafter, I would also bring along a scrapbook that I made up in advance for the wonderful photos of this party to be placed in!

I'm looking forward to the 27th David!

Lee said...

This is so exciting! I'll be there for sure!

I'd like some confection balls, those are ground up dried fruits, dates, nuts, all rolled together and made into balls which are then rolled in coconut. A memory from my childhood. :) Also some traditional Aussie holiday foods.

I'll have coffee with Irish Cream in it please. Plus I would like a variety of Aussie drinks to sample. Never been there and it would be a shame not to try some of the local fare.

Since money's no object and I can pick any gift I want to bring, I'd like to bring a cure for cancer. I hate that insidious disease. I've lost a friend to it and know others who are battling it. To see the rest of what I want to give for Christmas please go here and read the first 10 items on my Perfect Christmas List.

Peace! Hope! & Joy!

Pijush said...

Great idea David, Liked it.
Thanks for the invitation and if thing goes well, I will be here.

a) chicken tikka masala and kebabs
b) beer/wine
c) thats surprise :-)

Take care,
Pijush

david mcmahon said...

Hi Melissa,

1. I can do an Aussie special barbecue - and I was wondering if you'd care to sample my lemon pepper chicken?

2. Will make sure there are Aussie wines for you too, alongside the hot cider.

3. Buckeyes sound wonderful

And I think the scrapbook is a simply wonderful idea - such a generous personal touch.

Hope you;re bringing Audrey, as well as your Mum and Dad.

Keep smiling

David

david mcmahon said...

HI Lee,

Great to hear you're ready to party, Aussie style. And I like the idea of the cure.

Yes, the condition touched my family recently in a sudden and totally unexpected way.

God bless and yes, I'll check out your list.

Keep smiling

David

david mcmahon said...

Hi Pijush,

Great to know you'll be there, bringing the culture of two countries to the party.

Surprise? You;ve got me very curious now!

Keep smiling

David

Unknown said...

Hi David,

This is a great idea!

1. I want filet mignon and lobster tail. (Surf and turf)

2. Bailey's (yum!!!)

3. Since I live in Indiana, my virtual gift will be something local...the details will have to be a surprise (for me too!)

This is such a fun idea. Hmmm...it makes my imagination go crazy. What if, by some cosmic force, we all were transported to the same place IN THE FLESH? Might be a good premise for a book!

Les Becker said...

I'm so excited! Look at all the people I get to "meet"!

1. I want those ginormous shrimp. I only want them because "ginormous shrimp" is such a wonderful oxymoron.

2. Cuba Libres - black rum (although I prefer Bacardi 1873, which is an amber), fresh lime, cola. No ice, please, it'll only water down the rum - but can I have one of those little umbrellas?

3. I'm bringing snow. Tons and tons of it - so we can all go tobogganing and skating and build drunken snow-people.

Rune Eide said...

Sounds good - I'll be there. Is it Aussie time?
1. I have never tasted those big jumping animals you have down there (I think it started with a k - let me see...), someone told me it tasted OK. If not, anything will do.

2. Beer or your own red wine

3. I'll have to think about that one.

Jenera said...

I'm officially RSVP'ing.

1. I would like leftover turkey sandwiches. they are the best.

2. I would like a cheap bottle of zinfadel wine. The cheaper the better.

3. I'm sure there are plenty of people from the US so I'll pick something to represent my current home state of Idaho. I'll bring ski passes for up at Sun Valley. I'm not sure but I guess it's some of the best skiing in the US and famous people go there.

Later!

imac said...

Hi David,Not sure what time I'll be in BUT somtime I'll be in.(due to work)

Drink = from your country I'd like many pints of Fosters.

Food = from our country Roast beef and Yorkshire Pudding( with all trimmings)

Gift = A Bucket full of -A little from every Country - FUN AND LAUGHTER.

Diva said...

I'll be there with silent bells on as I figure I'll be too hung over to deal with bells ringin in my ears.

1. Any kind of mexican food will make me all warm and fuzzy.(enchildas, burritos, taquitos)

2. Jack Daniels, buddy. Lynchburg is right down the road from here. Me and Jack are good friends.

3. I'll bring either a yodelin pickle or a smokin monkey.

Misty DawnS said...

Oh man... I don't know if we will be back yet! We are coming back on the 27th or the 28th!

If it's OK, David, I'm going to make my reservation... but please forgive me if I end up being unable to make it.

1. I would like some chocolate covered pretzels.
2. Beer, please ;-)
3. Well, I'm bringing a puppy, of course (that represents me). Since I just moved, and I'm still an Ohioan at heart, Melissa's buckeyes will be awesome!

Sandee said...

1. Filet Mignon

2. Champagne

3. A California license plate that says San Francisco or any other city that you want.

I'm ready to party.

Suldog said...

1 - I would like a lovely roast turkey, with mashed potatoes and gravy.

(Jenera can have the leftovers in her sandwiches!)

2 - Eggnog, please.

3 - Hmmmmmm. The state of Massachusetts is known for codfish, and Boston is known for baked beans, but we already have so much food. OK. My present will be tickets to a Red Sox game - and I'll throw in the parking fees, a couple of hot dogs, three or four beers, and a souvenir program. How's that?

Akelamalu said...

1. I've never tried Pecan Pie so I'd like that on the menu please.

2. I'll drink anything but Gin, but my favourit is wine Pinot Grigio.

3. I'll bring a pair of 'virtual' Lancashire Clogs so everyone can have a go at clog dancing!

Just one question - Are you behind or in front of the UK time wise I don't want to arrive late or a day too early?

Craver Vii said...

a) Chocolate Kiss/Peanut Butter Cookies
b) Starbucks' Sumatra (coffee)
c) Several types of Christmas lights to all who desire them.*

i) The kind of lights that go on your trees and windows, that we might share a sense of warmth with our community.
ii) A "light" disposition and countenance, that we might overcome frustrations and sad memories and enjoy Christmas to the fullest. And finally,
iii) The light of the Savior. That He might illumine us as we embrace His message.

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

I can't make it, and am having quite the lovely pout session at the moment. I shall send along a package of maple syrup for everyone though.

katherine. said...

I'm in.

1. authentic tamales.

2. Gentleman Jack.

3. hmmm...from here...how about a surf board?

Cheltenhamdailyphoto said...

I'll have champagne please, since i won't be driving for once.

Some smoked salmon would be delicious with a fresh salad after all that turkey!


I'll bring the works of Shakespeare and some Tewkesbury Mustard, mentioned in his Henry V.

Cheltenhamdailyphoto said...

I left a comment a few days ago but better repeat it here, so are we permitted to bring blog friends, or is there not enough space? lol.

Anonymous said...

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!

If you don't mind, David, I'll be tagging along with Craver. I know he'll be bringing something but I thought I would bring some things that I enjoy:

A) Lasagne - extra thick,
a large pot of homemade minestrone soup,
and blackberry cream cheese pies.
Enough to feed everyone!
(can you tell I love to cook?)

B) Homemade rich hot cocoa for everyone and some diet Pepsi for me

C) A horse and carriage ride for everyone

Blessings to you.

eric1313 said...

food: I can never get sick of Turkey, so that's all good to me.

drink: I get to pick this, too? Excellent. The finest scotch imoney can buy.

gift: if I brought a poem, it would be real and virtual, now wouldn't it? That wouldn't be fair to the recipients of the regular virtual gifts.

How about a psychedelic VW micro bus?

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

Still loving this...

1. Food: potato chips for Mitchell. He's always eating them, so I deliberately let him have them for breakfast in a recent outtake.

2. drink: beer. Hey, I write about rock bands. They drink beer.

3. Virtual present: why, ShapeShifter t-shirts, of course! What better way to deck you all out for the new year?

Jo Beaufoix said...

I'll be there if I can.

1. Vegetable Risotto with olives and goats cheese.

2. White Zinfandel, or vodka and lemonade.

3. A pincushion in the shape of an Ostrich's handbag, (from Barbara), and a small bow and arrow because I come from Nottinghamshire. NB. The bow and arrow will be made of cheese to ensure it adheres to all Health and Safety Laws.

The kids will eat pretty much anything. Mr B can have apple juice as he will be driving.

KaiBlue said...

groovie idea Mr David!!

I'll be here, Peace, Kai

Corey~living and loving said...

I hope to make it....but can't promise. :)

1. Deviled ham cheese ball.

2. hot apple cider

3. a virtual bottle of sand and a seashell.

FHB said...

Sounds cool. I'm gonna be in Misconsin and off the computer, but I'll try to make it. For me, there's got to me cornbread dressing and cranberry sauce, eggnog, and something in my stocking, like a fat wad of cash from a crazy uncle I never knew I had before. Wohoo! I'm there dude.

I mean, isn't all money virtual these days?

SandyCarlson said...

Cheese and crackers, pinot noir, ears that listen but a mouth that will not speak!

Anonymous said...

I'm in...

1. I'll contribute a lovely seafood gumbo as I have to make some for New Year's day anyway and it's better if it ages a bit.

2. Lemondrop martini's, please (with a little extra lemon). I suspect Jo and I will be getting snockered together in some corner. {Jo, I'll send you the recipe for the martini's so we can raise our glasses together--it's pretty much lemonade and vodka}

3. Peace and love. It's not a gift that Americans are known for at this time but I'd like to world to not give up on *ALL* of us.

Anonymous said...

Shall I bring a trifle and a little Bristol Cream Sherry would be nice.

Cariboo Ponderer

Unknown said...

Food? Well, since this is a virtual party, how about some nice Silicon Chips? Or maybe a browser cookie.

The others I will have to think about.

Cheers,

David

mrsnesbitt said...

a) Cheese & biscuits
b) Cava
c) Upstairs in our loft is a piano accordian.............I had the notion of wanting to bounce into a room, playing away and having a wonderfully OTT singsong.....well sadly i never got round to learning how to play it but I can still bounce in the room and lead the singsong!

What time will it be here?

Mary said...

Oooh I can't wait!!

1. I would like some pumpkin cheesecake and/or butternut squash soup. YUM! And definitely Aussie dishes...lots and lots of them! (too bad this is virtual, my mouth is watering now)

2. Drinks? Mai Tais and eggnog. But if I must choose, it will have to be eggnog.

3. Since Kentucky (not my home state) is known for it's bourbon and horse races, I'll bring horseshoes and Maker's Mark gourmet sauce to kick up some of the virtual dishes!

Chertiozhnik said...

Since I'm coming all the way from England,

Steak and kidney pudding,

A hogshead of stout,

The Crown Jewels.

Anonymous said...

I have to be out all day I will try and check in when I get home but likely it will be all over cause of the time diff.

But I would like some smoked salmon
followed by Nanaimo Bars (choclate bar cookie)

My gift would be Moose Poop jewelry (they really do make beads out of moose poop)

Jules said...

Oh I so love a party!!
And I am willing to "bring a plate"

How about a crisp Margaret River Sauvignon Blanc - and I will bring Breadfruit Chips (see my blog tomorrow for details) and of course I have bilums and beads for all!!!

If i can fit the Bamboo Pipe Band in i will bring them - they are great for a get-together.

It has taken me an hour to download your blog and this comment page so i am really hungry!!!