Christmas in July is a permanent fixture on many Southern Hemisphere calendars. The weather outside is frightful so we gather indoors where it’s warm to celebrate, break bread, and remember all we have to be thankful for.
Try these fun ideas to make this year’s mid-winter Christmas extra special.
1 / Pinecone décor
Set out on a hunting adventure – for pinecones! Choose cones with intact scales and spritz well with 50/50 vinegar-water mix to scare away bugs. Spray them with festive paint and dip the tips in white for a modern twist. Leave them to completely dry before displaying on your dining table.
2 / Gratitude dinner
Take this opportunity to be thankful for all you have in your life; care, community, friends, and family. Ask your guests to list 5 things they’re grateful for then invite everyone to read their list aloud between dinner and dessert. And yes, dessert is something to be grateful for!
3 / A fresh centrepiece
First, position a long table runner on your dining table to ground the centrepiece. Next, snip greenery from your garden for a burst of colour. Camellia hedging offers lush foliage while lemon tree branches provide a Mediterranean vibe. Do you have sprigs of red berries among your Christmas decorations? Push these between the fresh foliage to add some Christmas cheer.
4 / DIY napkin rings
If you’re using fabric napkins, try your hand at this simple napkin ring craft. Horizontally cut clean paper towel rolls into thick rings. Cover each ring with hessian or linen then embellish the outside or add a bow. Thread a napkin through each ring and lay greenery or a sprig of dried lavender on top. If you’re short on time, simply roll the napkins and tie them with twine plus a sprig of rosemary.
5 / Place cards
For a classically styled table, fold a heavy piece of card into a triangle shape and write each guest’s name in cursive, calligraphy-style writing. If you have a little more time up your sleeve, cut and fold sheets of light card into miniature gift boxes, tie them with twine, and slide a small name card in place under the twine. For added smiles, place a piece of fudge or a speciality chocolate in each box.
Photo by Rumman Amin on Unsplash
