Celebrating Christmas in July with these Festive Treats

It’s never too early to start getting into the Christmas spirit! If you’re from the southern hemisphere, where it’s summer during the traditional Christmas season, this is your norm, but if you looking for an excuse to spread some holiday cheer in the middle of the year, celebrating Christmas in July is the perfect opportunity to do so. But let’s face it, cooking heavy, rich dishes can be a bit of a challenge during the hot summer months. So, why not try some lighter, fresher alternatives that still pack a delicious, festive punch? Here are some ideas to get you started!

First up on our list of festive treats for Christmas in July is a classic Australian favourite – pavlova. This dessert is light and fluffy and perfect for a summer celebration. Made with a meringue base topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit, it’s a refreshing alternative to heavy puddings and cakes. You can get creative with your toppings and use festive fruits such as raspberries, mango and kiwi fruit. A pavlova is also a great dessert to make ahead of time, so it’s perfect for entertaining guests.

1. A delicious pavlova wreath inspired by Mary Berry, this dessert is an absolute showstopper perfect for Christmas and all occasions. It’s flavoured with whipped cream, fruits and a homemade strawberry coulis. Find the full recipe on www.mymorningmocha.com

Another great dessert option for celebrating Christmas in July Christmas in July is a fruit trifle. This dessert is full of fresh fruit, custard and cream, making it ideal for a hot summer’s day. You can use any combination of fruits you like, such as peaches, strawberries and blueberries. Layer the fruit with sponge cake and custard, and finish with a dollop of whipped cream. This dessert is not only delicious, but it also looks great on the table, making it a perfect centrepiece for your Christmas in July celebration.

2. Libby’s Watermelon and Rosewater Trifle creation looks delicious, and the flavours are festive yet refreshing, so they are perfect for summer Christmas shindig! Find her trifle recipe on cookingwithnanaling.com

3. You can’t go wrong with a fruit salad. It’s refreshing enough for summer, yet festive enough for a Christmas celebration! With beautiful layers of fruit and delicious crunchy topping, this has to be a must for a Christmas in July treat. Visit www.twohealthykitchens.com for this tasty dessert.

SAVOURY OPTIONS

For a savoury option, why not try a festive salad? Salads are a great way to bring some freshness to your summer Christmas menu. A festive salad can include ingredients such as roasted ham or turkey, cranberries, avocado and feta cheese. Dress it up with a cranberry vinaigrette or a citrus dressing for a burst of flavour. Serve it alongside some fresh crusty bread or rolls for a complete meal.

4. This delicious Watermelon Basil Salad from Shannon at “healthymomhealthyfamily.com” is filled with refreshing flavours and crisp textures for a perfect accompaniment to a festive summer table. Just look at those colours! Grab the watermelon salad recipe.

5. Here is another delicious recipe from “two healthy kitchens”. Their salad won’t weigh you down during the summer’s heat … but is bursting with Christmas-y charm! I love how this salad looks on the plate, kids won’t be able to resist digging in! Grab the festive Christmas tree salad recipe.

6. Alex from “itsnotcomplicatedrecipes.com” has a beautiful Caprese Christmas Wreath. It is the ideal addition to your festive table. Not only is it a delicious and popular salad, but it makes an attractive table centrepiece. Why not enjoy it alongside some delicious pulled turkey or BBq’d meats!

Something Sweet

7. This Christmas pudding ice cream from “https://www.keep-calm-and-eat-ice-cream.com” has just three ingredients and is super easy to put together. Perfect for a hot July Christmas celebration. You can’t go wrong with those delicious festive flavours in ice cream form; that’s a win-win recipe right there!

8. This cassata ice cream cake just sounds amazing, layers of flavoured ice cream combined with sweet candied fruits, chocolate and marzipan. Wrapped in sponge and topped off with vibrant candied fruits and chocolate shavings. To find out more about this fab desert, head over to the thecinnamonjar.com.

9. Rebecca’s homemade Peppermint Bark Popcorn is perfect for Christmas party munching and gifting! It’s easy to make with crispy popcorn coated in white chocolate, crushed candy canes, peppermint extract, with a drizzle of dark chocolate!

BBQ FEAST IDEAS

Another great option for celebrating Christmas in July is a BBQ feast. In Australia, a BBQ is a staple for any summer gathering. If you’re lucky enough to live near the coast, why not take advantage of the fresh seafood available during the summer months? A grilled seafood platter is a delicious and impressive main dish for any Christmas in July celebration. Try grilling shrimp, scallops, and fish, seasoned with lemon and herbs, and serve with a side of garlic butter for dipping. Add a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

10. Have you ever tried grilling pineapple on the BBQ? If not, you are missing out. I usually sprinkle my pineapple with sugar and cinnamon, but this spicy alternative would be great served with BBQ ham or teamed up with some ice cream. You find the recipe on alekasgettogether.com

11. I adore ham, and you are going to love this smoked ham recipe from The online grill. Finished with a sweet and spicy glaze, this is going to be perfect as is or even better stuffed inside a soft white bap (bread bun).

12. The colours look perfect for some Christmas food, but the fresh flavours fit well with a hot sunny day. A splash of rum and a splash of lime give these tacos a fun take on a traditional taco. Head on over to Taste.com for a heap of tasty recipes.

Fun Christmas in July Activities

!No celebration is complete without exciting games and activities. I am absolutely obsessed with party games, so you know I’ll be bringing out all the fun options. Here are a bunch of awesome ideas just for you! Let the festivities begin!

1. Kids will love how they can customise their photo nutcracker craft. They’ll have fun putting together their nutcracker soldier, and with Sam’s template, it will be a breeze. Grab this fun printable photo nutcracker craft from “simpleeverydaymom”. There is a blank template included so you can pimp up your nutcracker to look as though he is on his summer holidays!

2. Summer is all about getting out into the fresh air, I love going to the beach, and this is definitely on my to-do list with the kids. Head down to the beach to collect sea glass to make these pretty beach glass trees. You’ll find all the details for this fun craft on sustainmycrafthabit.com

3. This is one of my favourite games to play with the whole family. It is a roll-the-dice game. Who doesn’t love winning candy? There are cute game boards for players to fill up. The player who fills up their board first is the winner! Grab the printable Christmas candy dice kit and let the excitement begin! If you want a fun free activity why not take a look at my free Christmas escape room game.

Celebrating Christmas in July is a fun and festive tradition that’s gaining popularity all over the world. Whether you’re celebrating in summer in the southern hemisphere or just looking for an excuse to spread some holiday cheer in the middle of the year, these light and refreshing recipes are a great way to get into the spirit of things. From grilled ham with pineapple salsa to watermelon and feta skewers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So fire up the grill, put on your Santa hat, and ring in the holiday cheer with some delicious food and good company. Merry Christmas (in July)