Summer is the perfect time to start a new tradition with your kiddos so you can make new memories before they head back to school and create a moment that they look forward to every single year.
You’ve likely heard of Christmas in July, but have you ever actually celebrated it?!
While you could absolutely keep it simple and dig out some of your favorite Christmas decor from the attic, pick a family favorite Christmas movie, throw on your Christmas jammies & drink hot cocoa together (even if it’s 90+ degrees outside), we think it’s a perfect excuse to throw a tropical themed party with a festive twist 🌺🎄
If you’re the type that makes everything extra like us, here’s our guide to combining the joys of summer with the festive feeling of Christmas:
First things first, our favorite – decor!
The key with most party themes is that you choose one main color scheme or pattern and try to stick with it throughout all of your decor choices, so that you maintain an aesthetically pleasing look for the overall setup.
Otherwise, it can start to look cluttered and messy and unless you’re having a tacky Christmas party, you really don’t want that. (and let’s be real, even then you probably want things to look cute!)
For a tropical themed Christmas in July party, our pick is flamingos. This choice will pretty much decide the overall color scheme for us – mostly different shades of pinks and greens.
Below is a look at our mood board that you can steal for your own celebration and here’s a link to our party kit for easy ordering!
Our tried and true decor checklist for any party:
✅ Themed Plates + Napkins (an absolute must in our opinion!)
✅ Tablecloths (if needed)
✅ Bar Cart / Drink Accessories (things like straws, stir sticks, etc.)
✅ Fun Cups (pro tip: these can double as photo props & can usually be found at your local dollar store)
✅ Balloons (because who doesn’t love a balloon arch?!)
✅ Signage / Wall Decor (this will usually serve as your photo backdrop)
✅ Photo Props (our go to’s are themed sunglasses, headbands & DIY signs)
Next up, our second favorite – food!
We believe that every aspect of a party should fit the theme, including the food, so here’s a few easy ideas to incorporate at your tropical themed Christmas in July party:
🍕 Hawaiian Pizza
🥪 Ham & Cheese Sliders (on Hawaiian rolls of course!)
🍉 Christmas Tree Shaped Watermelon
🍍 Pineapple Slices
🍓 Fruit Snacks
☕️ Frozen Hot Chocolate Bar
Finally, the activities!
While you can totally just bank on the food and photos being the main event, it doesn’t hurt to have a few more intentional plans, especially if you’re inviting guests.
A craft is always a great way to keep the kids occupied for a full 15 minutes 🤣 and we found two cute options for your Christmas in July party that totally fit the tropical theme:
Next, because it’s summer and you’re likely trying to find any way to get the kids out of the house, we’ve dreamed up the cutest backyard pool party featuring a Minnidip blowup pool to keep the kids (and you!) cool.
To add a little more festive flair, throw in some flamingo and candy cane pool floats 🦩 (our picks are linked in our party kit)
After everyone is filled with food and tired from the sun, end the day with a classic family favorite Christmas movie OR opt for a lesser known theme appropriate film, like Rudolph and Frosty’s Christmas in July.
With those things combined, you’ve got yourself a Christmas in July party unlike any other that’s sure to entertain your kids and wow your guests.
To make it even better, mark it on your calendar as a unique yearly tradition that everyone looks forward to and plans for every summer season!
If you throw a party like this, don’t forget to tag us in your festivities on Instagram (@stellaselfieandsnooze) so we can cheer you on as you make moments 🥳