Christmas in July: The Most Festive Way to Beat the Heat
6/23/20254 min read
There’s just something magical about adding a little holiday sparkle to the middle of summer. Maybe it’s the excuse to light candles in July. Maybe it’s sipping something chilled in a pretty glass while the sun’s still out. Maybe it’s setting a festive table—without the full-blown pressure of the December calendar.
Whatever the reason, Christmas in July has become one of my favorite little traditions. It’s playful, a little unexpected, and honestly… a great excuse to dust off some of those favorite holiday pieces that deserve more than one season.
If you’re thinking of hosting your own mid-summer soirée, here are a few simple ways to bring in the charm—without melting or overwhelming yourself. Think: cozy, casual, vintage-inspired, with a splash of summer style.
Set the Mood for Christmas in July
You don’t need snow (or a fully decorated tree) to pull this off—just a few thoughtful layers to give your gathering that magical, cozy feel:
Start with the table — drape a soft linen cloth (white or flax is perfect for summer), layer with vintage-look plates, pretty glassware, and soft linen napkins.
Glow matters — brass candlesticks with tall tapers or hurricanes at the center create instant glow (the more candlelight, the better — even in July!).
Greens tie it together — olive branches, eucalyptus sprigs, or fresh herbs down the table keep it organic and light.
Holiday sparkle — sprinkle in mercury glass bowls, a few vintage ornaments, or tie little gold bells to napkins or wine stems—tiny details guests will remember.
Create a movie nook — crank the AC, add lightweight throws and comfy pillows—perfect for a casual holiday movie night after dinner.
Curate a playful playlist — mostly summer vibes, but tuck in a few jazzy Christmas classics (Ella Fitzgerald, Bing Crosby). It keeps the mood fun—not forced.
Set up one "wow" station — the thing people will talk about after:
An iced cocoa + toppings bar (whipped cream, candy canes, shaved chocolate)
A summer gift swap (wrap mini beach candles, iced coffee cups, fun paperbacks in craft paper + velvet ribbon) This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you—if you make a purchase through one of these links. I only share products I truly love and think you will too. Thank you for supporting Sage & Silk Studio!
Amazon Favorites for Christmas in July:
🎄 Linen Tablecloth (Flax or White)
🎄 Brass Taper Candle Holders
🎄 Gold Jingle Bells (Pack of 20)
🎄 Mercury Glass Votive Holders
🎄 Velvet Ribbon Spools
🎄 Bottlebrush Trees (Set of 12)
🎄 Red Berrys Set of 32
🎄 Faux Olive Branches
🎄 Hunter Green Taper Candles
🎄 Lenox Holiday Wine Glasses
🎄 Vintage-Style Coupe Glasses
🎄 Pine Garland
🎄 Iced Cocoa Bar Accessories — Glass Mugs
🎄 Holiday Cookie Cutters
🎄 Tree Charcuterie Board
Festive Sips
Iced Gingerbread White Russian
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka
1 oz coffee liqueur
2 oz milk or half & half
1 tbsp gingerbread syrup (store-bought or homemade — recipe below)
Ice
Cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish
Directions:
Fill a glass with ice. Add vodka, coffee liqueur, gingerbread syrup, and milk. Stir well. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Optional homemade gingerbread syrup:
½ cup water
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp ground ginger
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
Pinch of cloves
Simmer ingredients together for 5 minutes. Cool and store in a jar.
Sparkling Cranberry Rosé Cocktail
Ingredients:
1 bottle sparkling rosé
½ cup cranberry juice
Fresh rosemary sprigs
Fresh cranberries (optional)
Directions:
Fill glasses halfway with cranberry juice, top with sparkling rosé. Garnish with rosemary and cranberries. Serve chilled.
Frozen Spiked Eggnog
Ingredients:
2 cups eggnog ice cream
½ cup bourbon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Pour into chilled glasses and garnish with grated nutmeg.
Merry Spritz
Ingredients:
3 oz Aperol
2 oz Prosecco
1 oz club soda
Orange slice
Fresh cranberries
Directions:
In a wine glass filled with ice, combine Aperol, Prosecco, and club soda. Garnish with orange slice and cranberries.
Light Holiday-Inspired Bites
Rosemary & Cranberry Charcuterie Board
Ingrediants:
Soft cheeses (brie)
Aged cheddar
Sliced prosciutto
Dried cranberries
Candied pecans
Rosemary sprigs
Crackers & crostini
Arrange on a large board and serve with chilled wine.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Melon with Herbed Cheese
Ingredients:
1 small cantaloupe or honeydew melon, cut into 12 wedges
12 slices thin prosciutto
½ cup whipped herbed goat cheese (or softened cream cheese + 1 tbsp chopped herbs — parsley, basil, thyme)
12 fresh basil leaves
Directions:
Spread herbed cheese on each melon wedge. Wrap with prosciutto. Garnish with basil. Chill & serve.
Stuffed Baby Mushrooms with Garlic & Herbs
Ingredients:
16 baby bella mushrooms (stems removed)
6 oz cream cheese, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp chopped chives
¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
Directions:
Mix cream cheese, garlic, parsley, chives, parmesan, salt & pepper. Stuff mushroom caps with filling. Top with panko breadcrumbs and drizzle with olive oil. Bake at 375°F for 15–18 mins, until golden and bubbling.
Lemon Glazed Holiday Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
1 batch sugar cookie dough - pre made for ease
½ cup dried cranberries
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
Directions:
Mix cranberries into the softend dough. Bake cookies as directed. Whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest to make glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Final Thoughts
A Christmas in July night is such a fun way to add a little sparkle to the heart of summer. A cozy table. A festive cocktail. A few light bites. Good friends. And just enough holiday spirit to make it feel special.
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