It’s summer, and we love summer! But for a little fun (and to make the sunny season even brighter), why not add a splash of wintry whimsy to your summer wonderland? In celebration of being more than halfway to the holidays, we’re setting the scene with two Christmas in July party themes. It might not be your typical Christmas party, but celebrating in July is a fun way to bring festive cheer to your summer gathering! From Santa hat decorations to spirited cocktails, here are some creative ways to add a touch of holiday magic to your July celebration.
Theme 1: Coastal Candy Cane Lane
Talk about a chill gathering! We’re sweet on this Christmas party theme because it’s an adorable way to spread Christmas cheer, and also because peppermint has a cooling effect you’ll appreciate way more in July than you ever did in December! To get this look, we leaned into the Laurel Street collection from kate spade new york. Another great alternative is the Make it Pop Dinnerwear line in pink and navy. Its red and white stripes are peppermint perfection, and they’re well-matched with Make It Pop serveware. A gingerbread house on top of our French Perle Pedestal Cake Stand adds storybook charm (and some height variety to your tablescape) while Wickford flatware with its rope texture nods to nautical style while sparkling like frost. Textured sisal paired with white fluffy rugs set a coastal + cozy scene while also tricking the eye into seeing snow atop sand. Brilliant! Whether you’re looking for Christmas centerpiece inspo or a fun Christmas party theme, Coastal Candy Cane Lane is the perfect blend of seaside charm and holiday cheer.
TRY IT: Candy Cane Place Settings
Sometimes the best DIYs are the simplest! To craft this merry, minty name place setting, simply take three candy canes and hot glue them into a stand formation. (Remove the plastic from the candy first; use hot glue on a lower setting that won’t melt the candy.) Consider using a ribbon for extra stability if needed (we didn’t need it!). Add a name card and your guests will enjoy the warmest (and the coolest!) welcome for this Christmas party theme.
DRINK IT: Candy Cane Cocktails
How refreshing. This candy cane cocktail will make waves at your Christmas In July party with its pretty pink color and cute candy cane garnish.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 oz candy cane vodka
- 2 oz creme de cacao (white)
- 1 oz vanilla simple syrup
- 1/2 oz cream or half and half
- 1 candy cane for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare candy cane vodka 30 minutes before crafting cocktails (blend candy canes into a powder in a food processor and mix into vodka by shaking in a sealed mason jar).
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the vodka, creme de cacao, syrup, and half and half. Shake well for at least 30 seconds.
- Pour in Tuscany Classics Stackable glass and garnish with a candy cane!
Theme 2: Mrs. Claus’ Tropical Getaway
Picture this: Mrs. Claus is on holiday—with a bunch of her besties. The look is North Pole meets Palm Springs. And the vibe is all about celebrating friendship over the merriest of brunches! To achieve this summering snowbird scene, we selected a pastel pink and green color palette using kate spade new york Make It Pop accent plates. British Colonial dinner plates and Wicker Creek serveware lend tropical charm and summery texture, while Imperial Caviar flatware brings the ripple of ocean waves in a holiday glam color. And because holidays are about giving, each place setting is marked with personalized Forever Friends ornaments as a special treat. This sweet touch will put you on everyone’s nice list! So, next time you’re thinking of bringing some holiday spirit to your next gathering, consider going for this fun and unique Christmas party theme.
TRY IT: Tropical Evergreen Trees
Waste not—and want not for Christmas cheer! After slicing fruit for tropical kabobs or a fruit salad, don’t throw away your pineapple’s stem. Turn it upside-down into a tropical evergreen tree and top it with a carved fruit star for the easiest, no-effort DIY Christmas table decor. Simply secure the star in place with a toothpick or kabob stick. It’s as easy as it is cute!
DRINK IT: Cranberry Mistletoe Mimosa
You can’t have brunch without mimosas, and you can’t make merry without mistletoe. (Well, you could, but why would you?) Bring both traditions together with Mistletoe Mimosas, stylishly served in coupe cocktail glasses for an elevated touch. Why are they called Mistletoe Mimosas? Because this drink’s so yummy, we give it chef’s-kiss approval for Christmas in July!
INGREDIENTS
- 4 oz orange juice
- 4 oz cranberry juice
- 1 bottle champagne or sparkling wine (or seltzer for mocktails), chilled
- Frozen cranberries
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional garnish to look like mistletoe)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Add 1 oz of orange juice and 1 oz of cranberry juice to each glass.
- Top with desired amount of champagne.
- Skewer frozen cranberries.
- Garnish glasses with cranberry skewers and/or rosemary sprigs.
- Serve immediately.
From Tinsel to Tropics: Creative Decor for Christmas in July
Ready to bring the magic of December 25th to your July celebration? Whether you're planning a summer spin on a classic Christmas party or searching for unforgettable Christmas in July party themes, these decoration ideas will spark plenty of holiday cheer. From edible Christmas trees to tropical centerpieces, these July party ideas blend holiday spirit with sunny skies for a celebration that’s anything but ordinary.
Kiwi Tree
A signature Christmas tree always belongs in every Christmas tradition. From avocados to apples and cucumbers to kiwis there’s endless green-hued foods to choose from. Simply slice up your pick, arrange the pieces, and present it on our festive Profile Snow Days platter to make an edible evergreen goodie. Don’t forget to garnish with strawberry, cherry, or raspberry accents—dice them small and sprinkle on top for the full Christmas tree effect.
Pineapple Centerpiece
Pineapples are the fruit of paradise, so be sure to include them in your decoration to invite a warm-weather vibe to the party. They make a great treat when sliced, juiced, or grilled but they’re also an impressive way to set the scene for the Christmas theme. Their spiky exterior makes for a great place to hang ornaments or act as a makeshift ornament tree, so take your pick of Christmas ornaments to combine snowy and summery style. Elevate it even more with personalized ornaments or Christmas figurines to create a chic seating chart or picture-perfect party favors.
Snowman Cheese Ball
Mozzarella, feta, cheddar, and cottage cheese—who says you can’t play with your food. According to us, it’s time to create something fun and festive, and there’s no better medium than something yummy. So, pull out your Holiday platter and the classic mozzarella balls for a clean and easy assembly. Simply stack him up and add accents with whatever’s in the kitchen. We used nuts and seeds for his face, with fruits and veggies for his accessories. By the time he’s complete, you’ll be ready to eat! Cue the Christmas music, hang the holiday decor, and get ready to welcome both the holiday spirit and the heat of summer with this festive cheese plate.
Wrapping Up Your Christmas in July Celebration
Whether you went all in on a Christmas tree made of kiwis or served up Santa-approved cocktails under the sun, your Christmas in July party is sure to bring unforgettable holiday cheer. From Christmas decorations and Christmas ornaments to holiday spirit and sunny skies, this mid-year celebration is the perfect way to mix tradition with a twist of summer fun.
These Christmas in July party themes prove that you don’t need snow to feel the magic. So keep the Christmas music playing, light up the fairy lights, and let your guests sip, snack, and smile through a mashup of holiday season joy and July party ideas.
