If you love the festive decorations, gift exchanges and gatherings with friends and family that come with Christmastime, there’s no reason to wait until December to celebrate. Hosting a Christmas-in-July party is a fun way to take part in some of the most enjoyable aspects of the holiday, even though it’s still months away.
Hosting a July Christmas party is similar to one you’d plan in December, but with a few twists. Combining the best of holiday parties with items and activities for the warm summer will help you pull off a memorable midyear Christmas celebration.
Christmas-in-July party planning considerations
To ensure that your summer Christmas party is enjoyable for everyone who attends, there are a few factors to think about as you plan the event.
Consider your guest list
Who’s attending your party determines things like how to decorate, what you serve and the types of party activities you include, so the first step to planning the party is determining who’s invited. For example, the theme will vary greatly between a child’s party and one for adults.
Indoors vs. outdoors
A Christmas party in July can be held indoors or outdoors. However, the warm, sunny weather of summer inspires many hosts to hold the party outdoors. Whether at a park, on the beach or in your own backyard, having a holiday-themed party is an exciting way to celebrate Christmas. This is especially true for people who live in parts of the country where an outdoor Christmas party wouldn’t be possible in December.
Decorations
Decorating for a Christmas-in-July party is similar to the way you’d deck the halls in December. In other words, the options are limitless for decorating both inside and outside of your home.
Because many parties this time of year are outdoors, decorating the outdoor living area is a must. There are several key ways to make a backyard look Christmasy:
- Decorate a pine tree or evergreen shrubs with bulbs, garlands and lights
- Add a faux Christmas tree to the deck, patio or porch
- String lights around the exterior of a home and around the area where guests will gather
- Include your favorite holiday decorations, such as inflatables and door decor
Party activities for Christmas parties in July
Gift exchange
Just like Christmas on Dec. 25, exchanging gifts during a Christmas-in-July party is a tradition. Affordable, thoughtful or funny items are good options, such as handmade ornaments or whimsical T-shirts.
Holiday music
Another fun way to celebrate Christmas in July is to play Christmas music during your party. After all, playing popular sounds of the season gets everybody in the mood for the holiday, even if it isn’t December. Using a smart speaker is an easy way to play your guests’ favorite holiday tunes.
Yard games
If your party is held outside, including yard games is a great way to keep guests entertained. Horseshoes, croquet, cornhole, badminton and volleyball are some options for incorporating fun competitions into a backyard party.
Holiday meal
There are several ways to serve food during your party, from offering treats and snack foods to serving an entire Christmas meal. The best option for your event depends on several factors, such as the number of guests and the duration of the party.
FAQ
Q. When should I celebrate Christmas in July?
A. Because Christmas falls on the twenty-fifth of December, many people like to plan their summer Christmas party on or around July 25. However, there’s no right or wrong answer to this question, as any date in the month of July works for a Christmas-in-July party.
Q. What do you eat for Christmas in July?
A. There’s a lot of flexibility on what you offer guests during a July Christmas party. A traditional dinner with turkey or ham and all the trimmings is a possibility. However, since many of these events are held outdoors, some hosts opt to prepare a wide variety of foods on the grill.
What you need to buy for a Christmas-in-July party
Costway 6-Foot Snow Flocked Artificial Christmas Tree
If you don’t have a real tree to decorate for your July Christmas party, you may want to add an artificial tree to your decor. This tree sports faux snow-flocked branches to give your event a touch of winter.
Brightown Outdoor String Lights
Lights are essential to any Christmas party. This string of globe lights emits a pleasant soft glow that looks great with other holiday decor. It’s weather-resistant and can be used outdoors or indoors.
Villeroy & Boch Toys Delight Abstract Cotton Blend Christmas Table Runner
Whether your summertime Christmas dinner is indoors or outdoors, you’ll want to make your table look inviting. This festive runner is simple but perfect for giving any table a touch of holiday cheer.
Party Funny Christmas Gift Bags
Simplify your summer Christmas party gift exchange by stuffing your gifts in pretty bags. This set includes 24 bags of various sizes, each with festive Christmas graphics.
VILOVE Christmas in July T-Shirt
A Christmas in July T-shirt is the perfect attire or gift for a summertime holiday party. This one features fun graphics, is available in numerous colors and comes in sizes small to extra-large.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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