Planning the perfect Australia Day party for your family and friends takes a little planning, particularly since the best event caterers get booked months in advance. However, by turning your attention to the finer food details of your party now, you will be well and truly ready for it when it rolls around in January. This year, make sure you order plenty of Australian-themed food so you can really impress your guests. Here are two food choices you cannot go without at an Australia Day party.

Shrimp

It is a bit of a no-brainer that you need to include shrimp in your catering requests. After all, the Australian Tourist Commission made ads in the 1980s referring to 'putting another shrimp on the barbie', and that phrase is still associated with Australia today.

However, rather than just asking your caterer to bring a bunch of them with some seafood sauce for dipping, consider making your shrimp choices a little more exciting. Coconut shrimp served with a mango mayonnaise, for example, adds the tasty core ingredients of both coconut and mango to your menu. Alternatively, shrimp that have been char-grilled on skewers and served with a coriander pesto will be a finger-licking treat for your guests.

Lamb

Australians love lamb, and you need to look no further than the annual Australia Day advertising videos featuring Sam Kekovich to understand you'll be breaking a national tradition if you organise a party without it. While large lamb chops can be a little difficult for the kids to handle, there are still plenty of lamb finger-food ideas you can discuss with your caterer.

Lamb that has been cooked in garlic and rosemary and then cut into cubes can be served with toothpicks. Serve these with a garlic aioli for a terrific one-bite-and-you're-done treat. Alternatively, mini tacos stuffed with cooked lamb, tzatziki sauce and feta cheese will wow even the harshest culinary critics.

It is quite easy to have a fabulous Australia Party by using a caterer to take care of all the hard work for you. After all, who wants to spend the day stuck in the kitchen cooking when instead you can be outside feasting on the delectable delights a top-quality caterer can prepare for you. Book an event caterer by giving them plenty of notice before Australia Day, and ask for their further ideas on what types of Australia-themed food they can prepare that will be a hit with your guests.