Christmas in July Party Ideas

After the last firework has exhausted our final ooohs and ahhhs, we Americans turn our heads towards the next big excuse to fire up the grill and party like rockstars. Don't let the conclusion of the Fourth of July weekend cause you to go into hibernation mode until Halloween. You can keep the party going by hosting a unique Christmas in July bash - a party that marries the best of our favorite times of the year.

Invitations:

Sending invitations for a Christmas in July party calls for some recycling and creativity! If you've got a box of old Christmas cards that you failed to mail out in December, here's your opportunity to put them to good use. On the blank inside, include all the important info. The surprise of receiving a Christmas card in July is sure to get your guests pumped for your fabulous Christmas in July party!

Decorations:

For any Christmas in July party, decorations should be a happy blend of traditional Christmas trimmings and fun summer paraphernalia. Use buckets as vases for festive floral arrangements. Toss beach balls and beach umbrellas into corners. Serve drinks with brightly colored umbrellas.

Chances are good that you already have a few boxes of Christmas decorations stored in your attic. If not, visit the dollar store for some chintzy lights and tinsel. If you plan to throw an outdoor party, string Christmas lights on trees and porch railings. Hang Christmas ornaments and wrap garland around trees. In the evening, illuminate your driveway with paper lanterns. For that intoxicating Christmas tree smell, spritz the party area with a bottle of Christmas tree scent. Or add fragrance to your home by simmering cinnamon sticks and cloves in a pot of apple cider: instant Christmas in July cheer!

Christmas in July is all about candles - a cheap decorating alternative, and oh so elegant on a summer evening. Pick up some white candles and place them in pretty decorative bowls. Gently arrange small, glass ornaments around the dish for some festive holiday charm. Keeping with the Christmas in July theme, select some elegant red and white flowers for your table settings.

Hang some Mistletoe in the entrance way - a little smooching could really make your Christmas in July party one to remember!

Food

Like decorations, food at a Christmas in July party should be a blend of Holiday classics and summer favorites. It's July, so replace hot chocolate with some frozen eggnog.

FROZEN EGGNOG:

6 eggs, separated

2 c. half and half

1 pt. bourbon or rum

1 c. heavy cream, stiffly beaten

Nutmeg, to taste

Beat egg yolks until thick. Gradually add ½ of sugar. Beat well. Beat egg whites until soft peaks form, adding remaining sugar gradually. Fold in egg yolk mixture. Add brandy or rum. Fold in whipped cream. Freeze for several hours. Mixture will be slightly slushy. Serve with bright umbrellas. Yum!

Nothing says Christmas cheer quite like a batch of Christmas cookies, so whip up a few trays of your favorite kinds. Fill dishes with Christmas candies and set them on counters and tables - just be sure there's no chocolate that will melt in the hot July sun!

Music

No party is complete without a well-planned playlist of tunes. During the winter, overplayed Christmas music can become tired and grating, but after 6 months of shelf time, people are ready for a little Jingle Bell Rock. Remember that this is a Christmas in JULY party, though, so keep things upbeat and fun.

Games

Fill a jar with green and red colored candies and let guests guess how many are in the container by writing their name and estimate on a slip of paper. The closest number wins the jar, or another Christmas-themed favor.

For the youngsters, play a game of musical chairs with Christmas tunes. Or download some Christmas coloring pages to keep them busy. Cheap gift exchanges (or cookie exchanges!) are fun, too.

This could be the perfect year to start your own Christmas in July tradition. Keep things fun and easy, be creative, and celebrate the spirit of Christmas!