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Hosting the Perfect Christmas in July Party: Festive Fun with a Summery Twist

Who says Christmas cheer is only for December? Hosting a Christmas in July party is a brilliant way to spread festive joy during the warmer months. 

Whether you want to shake up your summer social calendar or just miss the magic of the festive season, here's how to plan the perfect mid-year Yuletide celebration, complete with twinkling lights, icy cocktails, and a dash of tinsel-covered fun.

Why Host a Christmas in July Party?

In the UK, we don't usually get snow on Christmas Day, so celebrating in July means you can enjoy the spirit of the season without worrying about frostbite. It’s a cheeky, cheerful way to bring people together for food, drink and festive games—without the pressures of gift-buying or crowded shops.

Setting the Scene: Decor Ideas

Go all out with a mash-up of festive and summery décor:

Christmas lights strung across your garden or your patio

Inflatable Santas in sunglasses

A beach ball “snowman” and palm trees wrapped in tinsel

Red and green bunting, fairy lights, and snowflake confetti on tables

You could even set a dress code: think Hawaiian shirts with Santa hats, or summer dresses with jingle bell jewellery.

Festive Food and Drink (with a Summer Spin)

Forget the heavy roast—this is your chance to reinvent traditional Christmas flavours with warm-weather flair:

Savoury ideas:

Turkey and cranberry sliders

Pigs in blankets on skewers with mustard dip

Cold roasted veggie platters with festive dips

BBQ with seasonal spice rubs (clove, cinnamon, ginger)

Sweet treats:

Frozen Yule log slices

Strawberry “Christmas puddings”

Mince pie ice cream

Drinks:

Frozen mulled wine slushies

Cranberry mojitos

Eggnog milkshakes

Mocktail punch with red fruits, mint and soda

Entertainment and Activities

What’s a Christmas party without games and music?

Festive karaoke with Christmas classics

A “Secret Santa” gift exchange with summer-themed presents

Christmas quiz with a twist, include questions about British summer holidays and Christmas traditions

Garden games like sack races, limbo, or “pin the nose on Rudolph”

You could even do a Christmas movie screening under the stars, think The Holiday or Elf with blankets and popcorn.

Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches

Send out playful invites—digital cards with a beachy Santa or snowflake sunscreen theme

Hand out Christmas cracker sunglasses or mini fans as party favours

Set up a “photo booth” with silly props like reindeer antlers and inflatable candy canes

Final Tip: Make It Charitable

Since Christmas is also about giving, consider adding a charity element. Ask guests to bring a donation for a local food bank or charity shop, ‘tis the season, even in July!

Whether you're roasting marshmallows instead of chestnuts or singing carols in your sandals, a Christmas in July party is the perfect excuse to add some sparkle to the summer. Go ahead—deck the halls (and the garden fence) and jingle all the way into your new favourite seasonal tradition!

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