We love any excuse to celebrate. And while “Christmas in July” may not be an official holiday, it’s a wonderful reason to invite over some friends and cook a delicious meal. Read on to learn exactly how to host a Christmas in July party this summer.

Christmas in July Menu Ideas + Tips

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The first step in planning a memorable Christmas in July party? A very merry menu. We suggest a mix of traditional holiday favorites and seasonally appropriate summer dishes.

Christmas in July Cocktails
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Get the party started with a round of cool, Christmas in July cocktails.

  • Beat the heat with icy options, like this striped Tropical Candy Cane Freeze. If you’re hosting outside, consider setting up a blending station on the patio so guests can imbibe all night long.
  • Go crazy for cranberry! We love this tiny, tart fruit in sangrias and as a garnish. While it’s unlikely you’ll be able to find fresh berries in July, check your grocery store for a frozen option. Or, add a splash of flavor with cranberry juice.
  • Add a festive touch—and keep your cocktails cool—with an ice ring. Simply fill a Bundt or tube pan with juice, soda, herbs, fresh fruit and any other add-ins you’d like, and freeze. Then, right before party time, remove the ring from its mold and drop into your favorite punch. (We love this vodka version).
  • Consider a mocktail option—especially if younger guests are invited. We love this Grinch Punch.

Christmas in July Appetizers
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Feeling snack-ish? Set out an array of Christmas in July appetizers.

  • Go red and green. This color combination will make your apps feel extra festive. Try it with all sorts of fresh summer produce, like snow peas, avocados, cherry tomatoes and bell peppers.
  • Arrange grab-and-go bites—like crostini, sliders, charcuterie or pinwheels—in a wreath shape. Add a bow for extra flair.
  • Put your Christmas cookie cutters to work. They’re ideal for shaping mini pizzas, chips and crackers.

Christmas in July Main Dishes
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From turkey to ham—and all those wonderful side dishes—be prepared to feast on these Christmas in July dinner ideas.

Christmas in July Cookies
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Trust us—Christmas cookies taste delicious any time of year. And they’re a fun, easy dessert for your holiday bash.

  • Try something new. If you love to try different Christmas cookies every year, use this party as an excuse to trial run recipes. Come December, you’ll be a baking pro.
  • Opt for no-bake treats if it’s too hot to turn on the oven. We love these Holiday Cornflake Cookies, Frosty Polar Bears and Cherry No-Bake Cookies.
  • Swap to it! If you’re desperate for a taste of your favorite Peppermint Meltaways or Eggnog Biscotti, try an ingredient swap for hard-to-find holiday items. Switch out candy canes for round mint candies or substitute heavy cream with a pinch of pie spice for eggnog. Get creative!

Christmas in July Decor

Christmas Tree Decorated With Gold And Blue Balls On A Sea Sandy Beach.Natalia Sova/gettyimages

Add a festive flair to your backyard or patio with beachy Christmas decor. Start with these simple ideas.

  • Encourage a dress code. It will likely be too warm for ugly sweaters, but you can still ask guests to don their gay apparel. Think outfits inspired by Christmas movie characters or red and green clothes.
  • Decorate an (outdoor) tree. Don’t bother pulling your 9-foot tree out of the basement. Hang lights, garland and ornaments on a tree or bush outside.
  • String Christmas lights. If your party will still be going after dark, Christmas lights are the perfect way to set the mood. String them across deck rails, balconies or the eaves of your home. Go ahead and grab your light-up reindeer figure, too.
  • Let it snow! Cool off with a flurry or two. Paper snowflakes are a cheap, easy way to add decor. And, it’s a great craft project for the kiddos, too!
  • Take a trip down memory lane. If you’re celebrating with close friends or family, dig out photos from Christmas’s past and put them on display. These photos of Christmas from the year you were born can get you started.

Christmas in July Entertainment

Little Girl Picks Up Heavy Basket Full Of Present Family Summer Christmas On The BeachGeorgia Court/gettyimages

Keep the party going with some top-notch entertainment.

Up Next: Cool Peppermint Desserts
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