A First Time for Everything at our Christmas in July dinner

Krystal and Brian Slade

Melissa and Travis Russell


Kristi and Robert Collins



Tonight we had our 13th monthly dinner party. Since last winter we have talked about having a Christmas in July dinner. We thought it would be fun to have a small reprieve from the Vegas heat... so a few days in a 'Winter Wonderland' would be fun! And it has been fun! We got everything set up yesterday with a lot of meal preparations started early. We were a little concerned when two couples did not show up for the dinner. Both had RSVP'd so we waited until almost 7 for them and I attempted to call them, but when they were not reachable we went ahead and began.

The food we ate and who brought what:

The Goebel's- Breakfast Casserole and Potato Soup
The Collins- Broccoli Salad
The Russell's- Sweet Potato Casserole
The Slade's- Turkey with stuffing and Strawberry Cheesecake

There was plenty of food for everyone. I was a little nervous about us having enough dessert, but it worked out perfectly.
We all sat at one end of the table and enjoyed some great company. Everyone shared a Christmas tradition from their childhood. Some of them were:

Waking up at 2am to open presents because mom just couldn't wait(Travis Russell)

Unshelled peanuts filled her stocking every year as well as 'inappropriate' gifts under the tree. (Krystal Slade)

Being drug through the snow by dad driving a car while the kids were sitting on a car hood. (Brian Slade)

Wrapping up family member's old stuff, putting it under the tree for them for Christmas and seeing if they realize that it's the one they already owned. (Kristi Collins)

Decorating the tree with the same wooden painted German ornaments every year of his life at home. (Jeff Goebel)

The Mexican tradition to have Santa fill a shoe instead of a stocking. (Maggie Goebel)

And the get to know you game that we always play:
Guess who did what....

• Took a road trip across the country and while one of them was sleeping the other one drove 2 states in the wrong direction


• She called him on the phone while he was on a date with another girl, but he was acting so weird that she decided not to talk to him again. Since she never gave him her number luckily he had it on caller ID and was able to call her back... and now.. they are married!


• They were homeless for the first 8 months of their marriage living in hotels.


• The other one was ours.... and I'm not sharing it since we do the same one almost every month.

Christmas in July details

Decor

I chose an aqua blue, silver and white for my party colors. Since it's so hot here in Nevada (and I didn't think green and red would really make it feel much cooler) I opted for an icy blue with silver look. It's also very elegant and gives a lot of richness to everything. We put up our prelit Christmas tree with glass balls, silver metalic garlands, hanging jewels, and my kids favorite- 'Carvan' the white dove.


Invitations
See previous post


Tablesetting


White tablecloths, light blue transperant plastic placemats (originally got at a grocery store in the dollar bin), I wrapped sky blue tulle on the left side from top to bottom, tied a knot and made a very nice looking placemat. Then I added white looking china (plate) a glass goblet, silverware and the white linen napkins in beautiful crystal/jeweled napkins rings (got on clearance at Bed, Bath and Beyond last year).


Table Centerpieces


We have many Department 56 Christmas Snow Village village pieces. So we decided to get out a few of them from the Christmas shelf in the garage and use them as the main centerpiece. I also took two pie platters made of wrought iron and got some glass plates for them. On each I put some of the extra Christmas balls and small wrapped presents and the silvery pinecones. They were placed at opposite ends of the table.

Christmas in July Invitation

I bought a variety of Christmas frame cards at Michael's last year (8 for $1.)
The party colors are aqua, silver and white. (this blue isn't the right shade, but it fits the winter wonderland theme and the candy cane ones are totally the wrong color... but they still made a cute invitation).
So... in the middle of the frame... rather than a photo is this poem that I made up this afternoon, printed onto glossy photo paper and inserted into the frame. I used Adobe photoshop elements to change one of the pictures (both have a cactus with Christmas lights strung on it) to a black and white photo. The other I left in color. Both have ' Merry Christmas in July' in deep red script over the photo.


'Twas the night before Christmas in July, you know.
Down south in Nevada, without any snow.

Asleep in their bed were Jeff and Maggie,
Dreamin' of a dinner party that wasn’t gonna be tacky .

Not stockings, but flip flops, at the foot of their bed,
For this was July, what more need be said,

Straight to the point, you’ve waited long enough,
Here is the scoop without all the fluff….

The dinner is Friday, July 31st at half past six
At XXXX Ave. come get your holiday fix!

Please bring your family’s favorite Christmas side dish to share.
You’ll meet many couples, Hope to see you there!

A Pirate Party

Pirate Parties aren't just for kids! They would be a great theme for Halloween time or a summer party with tropical decor. This invites can be made or purchased on Etsy:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28339860
Printed on parchment style paper and burnt around the edges to give it that special pirate look. Due to each one being burnt separately, no two will be exactly alike. I will change the wording to your specifications. Please indicate your wording preferences/address information in the comment section of checkout.

Example in photo reads as follows:

Ahoy Matey!!

Captain Bill be requestin' ye join the crew of his ship the Harris Bounty for a swashbuckling good time.

The party will raise anchor at 12:00 on Saturday the 22nd of March, 2009

Our ship is docked at:(Address)(City, State, ZIP)

Let us know if ye will be attendin' by Friday the 13th of March(RSVP Phone #)

They can be folded and put into invitation sized envelopes or rolled and tied with ribbon if they are going to be hand-delivered.

Why Christmas in July

( I found a fun explaination about why a July celebration for Christmas is so great!)
http://www.theholidayspot.com/christmas_in_july/celebrations.htm

Did you know that most people have a love hate relationship with Christmas? Read on to know more... They love giving presents but hate the crowds; Love the true meaning but hate the commercialism that seems to engulf it; Love the music but hate having six weeks of it. They love the food but hate the weight gain. Is it not funny that, despite all of that, we still hope Christmas comes more than once a year?! And the best part is we have a way to do exactly that - Celebrate it in July and leave the rest behind.. Its not about asking you to give up the late December festivities but adding an extra zing to your holidays and celebrations in the Summer heat. So soak up the sun and celebrate Christmas in July. Surprise your friends, family or mates you really care for with a one night of bonus Christmas celebration in the middle of Summer. Drag out the artificial tree while your love is away for the day or weekend and decorate it. Go to a nursery and find a small potted evergreen to light up, if you get a real one. Bake a couple of your favorite holiday goodies. Put a few presents under the tree. Turn the air conditioner
on high and light a crackling fire in the fireplace while listening to your favorite Christmas tunes. And Folks! Its Christmas in July. Ho! Ho! Ho!

Christmas in July invitation ideas and wording suggestions

Idea #1

1. Create instant invitations by digging out that old box of Christmas cards.

2. On the inside blank panel, neatly write your party details such as time-date-place for a no-stress Christmas invitation.

3. If you're handy with a computer printer, include party details on the blank side panel, or print the information on a blank sheet and fold it in with the card. Gather bored kids on summer break to help decorate with drawings, ribbon, or glue and glitter.

Idea #2
1. Find some small boxes that could be wrapped in Christmas gift wrap.



2. Attach the invitation to the present as a card.

3. In the card mention that you would like them to carefully open the present and insert a written family Christmas tradition on a piece of paper. Then reseal gift and have them bring to party.


4. As guests arrive with presents place them on the table as part of the centerpiece. Then during dessert have guests grab a gift to open and read the 'tradition' inside and guess which couple it belongs to.

Idea #3
1. If you were able to plan this party months in advance (like around the previous Christmas) then you may have gotten in on felt stockings at the dollar store or Walmart. Put some nuts or candies inside and pin the invite to the stocking. It could say something like this:

Santa Claus is trying to get a head start on his nice/naughty list.

You and your spouse are invited to a Christmas in July dinner party to show Santa what a good boy and girl you two are!

When: July 28th at 6:00 p.m.

Where: the Miller's home- 1600 NorthWoods Drive

Please bring your favorite Christmas holiday appetizer or side dish to share and

One small wrapped gift for a couple (valued at max $10.) for our gift exchange.

Idea #4

1. Buy or make a Christmas ornament for each couple invited to the party.

2. Find a box to place each ornament in then wrap in Christmas wrapping and include a small invited on the tag.

3. Guests will be excited to find a Christmas surprise in the present AND be invited to a dinner party to celebrate Christmas in July. You could have guests take out ornament and put a slip of paper with a family Christmas tradition written on it and rewrapped inside the box.

WORDING SUGGESTIONS

1)
Ho! Ho! Ho!
Whether you have been naughty or nice this year,
Come join us for a Christmas Celebration.
The Carver’s House
4456 Whistle Creek Lane
Saturday, December 18th
7:00 pm - Midnight
Light appetizers and setups provided
Casual dress

2)
Want to hear the ringing of sleigh bells?
Want to sniff the delicious Christmas feast smells?
Join Bill and Judy Smith for their
Annual Christmas Feast
7856 Miller Lane Parkway
Saturday, December 18th
6:00 pm
Dinner and drinks provided
Casual dress

3)
We wish Christmas came around more than once a year,
So we would have more reason to get tipsy on Christmas cheer! (subst. cheer for beer)
(That's why we celebrate Christmas in July!)
Come join the Miller Family for a Christmas party
Saturday, December 18th
3214 Janice Boulevard
7:30 pm - Midnight
Light appetizers and drinks provided
Casual dress

4)
Santa’s laugh sure is hearty,
If we invited him, he’d probably have a great time at our party!
Join the Douglas family for their Annual Christmas Potluck
7878 Peter Pan Street
Saturday, December 18th
7:00 pm
Bring a side dish or a dessert
The main course and drinks will be provided
Causal dress

If you want your invitations to be a little more traditional or fancy, try one of the following Christmas party invitations.

1)
Christmas is the season to be surrounded by family and friends.
We are truly blessed to count you and your family as friends.
Celebrate Christmas at the Parker’s home
7532 Ridge Lake Parkway
Saturday, December 18th
6 pm - Midnight
Dinner and drinks will be provided
Formal attire

2)
The lights have been strung and the tree has been trimmed.
All that is missing from our home is you.
You are invited to join the Smith family for their annual Christmas brunch
Sunday, December 19th
6456 Juniper Breeze Lane
Noon - 3:00 pm
Brunch and drinks will be provided.
Casual dress

3)
Christmas is not Christmas if there are no friends around.
This is why you are invited to our Annual Christmas Dinner
Saturday, December 18th
4511 Elm Street
7:00 pm - 11:00 pm
Dinner and setups will be provided
Formal attire

4)
‘Tis the season to honor both our family and friends.
You are invited to join the Carter family for their annual Christmas bash
Saturday, December 18th
3292 Jackson Boulevard
6:00 pm - Midnight
Dinner and drinks will be provided
Formal attire

THESE WERE CREATED FOR AN ACTUAL PARTY IN DECEMBER DONE IN SUMMER/JULY STYLE. THE INVITATIONS WOULD STILL BE CUTE FOR A PARTY IN JULY DONE IN CHRISTMAS STYLE. ALSO INCLUDED ARE LABELS FOR WATER BOTTLES AND A CANDY BAR WRAPPER.

Christmas in July activity ideas

• Trim the tree; sing carols; or organize a Christmas scavenger hunt with prizes to the winner(s).


• Gift exchanges are fun, but cheap and informal are the way to go in July. Ideas can range from extravagant homemade gift-wrapped goodies to discount toys hidden in a Christmas stocking.


• Watch a video copy of A Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life. or another cool Christmas movie, Ask your guests to name every character in the film before the video starts. Award a prize to those with the correct answers.


• Have a holiday sing-a-long with printable Christmas lyrics.


• Or, play a game of,,, Name That Christmas Tune!

Elegant menu idea from Exquisite Invitation Shoppe

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26599066

Here is an elegant printed MENU that you could order or make yourself.

Party Favors: Mints

I
found these on Etsy and totally know that I could make them myself. It's patterned paper cut to almost matchbook size with a single packaged mint attached with a brad and tucked in.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27314852

Etsy: Great source for invitations and ideas

Etsy is the coolest website for individuals who sell home crafted items. You can find stationary, soaps, clothing, bedding, jewlery, and most everything that can be created.
I have enjoyed looking at their differently designed party invites. Here are some nice ones with the name of the seller and a link to their page on Etsy. The descriptions were written by the creators:
This invite is my favorite design. Look at all the little details!!! This would make a great vacation or tropical themed party. If you change the paper and the dangling charm it could be any other theme.


Florida, Mexico, Jamaica, the Caymans...a local seaside??? This shimmered signature pocketfold (4x5) invitation is petite sophistication that will make a lasting impression to your invited guests.
The above pocketfold is shown landscape style but could also be customed to a portrait style invitation. This invitation is perfect for any destination wedding or seaside/beach event in sage green and creame shimmered cardstock with bunches of large printed leaves.
Your invitation wording is printed on diamond white cardstock with a brown matte underlay and a elegant palm motif adds charm. As an embellishment a hemp cord is wrapped twice and tied into a bow with a dangling silver starfish. Just SWEET!!!

Wouldn't this make a lovely invite for a Ladies luncheon or a dinner in the Spring?
A round edge crisp white cardstock is mounted on a round edge shimmer pink cardstock (5 x 7). A soft pink and floral band of paper wraps securely around the invitation while a crystal flutter bug rests. (Please note, the flutter bug is adhered to the invitation). If your interested in the matching matchbox favor please convo me through my other shop Sweetrayne{dot}etsy{dot}com



This invitation design would work for ANY event. I especially love the belly band closure.
This (5x7) booklet invitation was inspired by precious poppies. Papers used have a gold shimmered tone to provide lusciousness. With this booklet invitation you can customize to include additional pages if needed.
Your RSVP and RECEPTION enclosure cards are held in place under the front cover with a matching belly band as the whole ensemble is held together with a belly band that's address to your guest. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27139939


This invite would be great for a Chinese New Year party or any Asian inspired gathering.

Terra Cotta and Cream are the hues that inspired this invitation style. This is a three layered 5 x 7 invitation, a textured terra cotta, circular print, and smooth creme cardstock. To set the theme a Chinese character "Happiness" motif is printed flat while a natural hemp cord is double wrapped around the invitation and tied into a knot.

Matching elements such as programs, menu's and escort cards are also available.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23547930


Inspired by all that is victorian or vintage elegance, I designed a romantic ceremony program that would compliment any garden or exquisite event.
Your ceremony and/or wedding participants are printed in flat ink on diamond white cardstock in the shape of a fan. Short lace adorns the top edge for extra softness and a double faced satin ribbon flows from the bottom.
This program can be customized in any way you choose: include your monogram, change the print color or even the ribbon color or add a special motif to add to your events theme!
All programs are hand cut and laced by me...This would also make a nice compliment to your tablescape as a menu card.Inspired by all that is victorian or vintage elegance, I designed a romantic ceremony program that would compliment any garden or exquisite event.
Your ceremony and/or wedding participants are printed in flat ink on diamond white cardstock in the shape of a fan. Short lace adorns the top edge for extra softness and a double faced satin ribbon flows from the bottom.
This program can be customized in any way you choose: include your monogram, change the print color or even the ribbon color or add a special motif to add to your events theme!
All programs are hand cut and laced by me...This would also make a nice compliment to your tablescape as a menu card.Inspired by all that is victorian or vintage elegance, I designed a romantic ceremony program that would compliment any garden or exquisite event.
Your ceremony and/or wedding participants are printed in flat ink on diamond white cardstock in the shape of a fan. Short lace adorns the top edge for extra softness and a double faced satin ribbon flows from the bottom.
This program can be customized in any way you choose: include your monogram, change the print color or even the ribbon color or add a special motif to add to your events theme!
All programs are hand cut and laced by me...This would also make a nice compliment to your tablescape as a menu card.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25817571

A fun invitation for any real celebration... do it in reds and black to celebrate New Years or red and green for Christmas

How fun and playful is this save the date announcement. The colors just scream out vibrant sensations, and with the confetti your letting your guest know that they are going to have a good time.White linen cardstock is layered atop a shimmer tangerine cardstock. A vellum envelope is attached to the announcement holding circle and vellum flower confetti giving your guest the instructions to "Don't Celebrate Yet"!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26481922

Wouldn't these be cute Luggage tag invites for a Dream Destination dinner party... I'm doing this theme for August.
I really love this invite and could totally picture it for a retro 60's or 70's themed party. If the color's were more flourescent it would be great for an 80's party!

This handmade triple layer invitation is made from shimmer cardstock... lime and fuchsia. The top is lined with a fuchsia satin ribbon with dangling beads and shiny circles.
This invitation measures 5x7 and a white envelope is included.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21100172

July's dinner

Since Jeff and I started planning out these dinners I have known that I wanted to do a Christmas in July dinner. Complete with a gorgeously decorated Christmas tree, Christmas music, favorite Christmas foods and a gift exchange. I'm still working on the logistics. I bought some aqua/silver colored tree decor at Target after Christmas for 75% off. I got some Christmas cards that would make cute invites at Michael's in their dollar bin, and a lot of candles. I am choosing the Aqua scheme versus the traditional red or green so .... It will be more of a challenge matching the tableware. I think that I will use my white tablecloths and make some Aqua colored runners to go down the center of the tables. I also get to use the crystal/silver beaded napkin ring holders that I got on clearance at Bed Bath and Beyond.
With the way people are so careful about how they spend money these days... I need to think of a gift exchange that won't hurt the pocketbook. Any ideas?