If you’re looking for some ideas to help you throw the perfect Christmas in July party, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll give you tips on everything from food and drinks to games and activities. So read on for inspiration!
But first, where did Christmas In July come from?
The tradition of Christmas in July is said to have started in the 1940s, when American servicemen stationed in the Southern Hemisphere during World War II missed being home for Christmas. They decided to bring the holiday spirit down under by throwing their own Christmas party in the middle of winter.
The tradition quickly caught on, and now Australians all over the country celebrate Christmas in July each year. It’s a great excuse to get together with friends and family, enjoy some festive food and decorations, and have some fun!
So how do you throw the perfect Christmas in July party?
1. Decorations
One of the best things about Christmas in July is getting to decorate your home with all the festive trimmings. But if you don’t want to go overboard, there are a few key decorations that will really set the scene.
First, hang up some string lights. They’ll create a warm and cosy atmosphere, perfect for a winter party. You can also drape them around doorways and windows, or even wrap them around tree branches if you’re having your party outdoors.
Next, add some Christmas-themed paper lanterns. They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, so you can really get creative with your decorating. You could even hang them from the ceiling to create a magical starry night effect.
Finally, don’t forget the Christmas tree! It’s not Christmas without a tree, so make sure you have one up – even if it’s just a small one. You can decorate it with baubles, tinsel and lights, or keep it simple with just a few key decorations.
2. Food & drink
No party is complete without food and drink, and Christmas in July is no exception. There are loads of festive recipes you can try, from traditional roast dinners to Christmas puddings and mince pies.
If you want to keep things simple, why not put out a buffet of Christmas finger foods? Think mini sausage rolls, mince pies, mini quiches and Christmas crackers. Your guests will love grazing on these tasty treats throughout the night.
Want to go all out? How about custom fondant cake toppers, Christmas cupcakes with edible snowflakes or a gingerbread house?
And of course, you’ll need a selection of drinks to keep everyone merry. A punch bowl filled with mulled wine is always a hit, or you could try serving festive cocktails such as Eggnog or a Santa’s Little Helper.
3. Games and activities
What’s a party without some games and activities? To get everyone in the Christmas spirit, why not try playing some classic party games with a festive twist?
A game of pass the parcel is always fun, but you could make it more interesting by hiding small gifts or prizes inside the wrapping paper. Or how about a game of charades, but with Christmas movies and songs instead of regular ones?
For something a bit more low-key, you could set up a gingerbread house decorating station. Provide some pre-made houses, along with icing, sweets and other decorations, and let your guests get creative. It’s a great activity for kids and adults alike!
4. Music
No party is complete without some music, so make sure you have a festive playlist ready to go. Christmas carols are always a hit, or you could try something a bit more upbeat and be hypnotised by the likes of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” or Wham!’s “Last Christmas”.
If you really want to get everyone in the party mood, you could even hire a DJ or live band. They’ll be sure to get everyone up and dancing – just make sure you have enough space!
5. Gifts
Photo by freestocks on Unsplash
One of the best things about Christmas is giving and receiving gifts, so why not do the same at your Christmas in July party?
You could set up a secret Santa, where each guest picks another person’s name out of a hat and buys them a small gift. Or you could do a white elephant gift exchange, where everyone brings along an inexpensive but funny gift to be swapped around.
“Whatever you do, giving and receiving gifts is a great way to add some extra festive cheer to your party”, points out a popular gift shop in Randwick.
So there you have it – everything you need to know about throwing the perfect Christmas in July party. Just follow these tips and you’re sure to have a fun-filled day that everyone will remember for years to come.
Merry Christmas in July!
