Christmas in July Party

On the 4th of July after the kids were in bed Tony and I were outside sitting on the back of our car watching fireworks going off from houses all around us.  I had the idea to throw a party to get to know people a little better so while we sat there I told Tony about my idea and he thought it sounded great.  I thought it would be fun to do a Christmas in July theme so I talked about some of my ideas- he even came up with the idea for white elephant gifts.  So after realizing it was doable with our schedules I sent off this invite via facebook.   
It's ironic I included "cool off at the B family's house" because it never seemed to get cool even with the air blasting constantly all day.  I think with all the bodies in the house and the heat warning advisory it never got under 80 inside.  blah!  Anyways...my objective in throwing this party was to make it as "summery" as possible.  Not too Christmassy.  I didn't want to come off as some crazy Christmas lady.  And anyway, who really wants hot chocolate when there's a heat index of 115 outside?  So I used summertime things and did a Christmas spin on them.  Since "July" is still part of the theme, you gotta make it summery.  We had "Cold Hot Chocolate" (chocolate milk), CHEERies (cherries), reindeer food (carrot sticks), a snowman (melons), "Yellow Snow" (Piña coladas), ice cold cranberry juice, etc.  They tell you not to eat yellow snow but we sure did.  I had an idea to make "dirty snowmen" with marshmallows dipped in chocolate and graham cracker crumbs; because nothing is more Christmas than sugar dipped in chocolate (especially shaped like a snowman) and nothing is more summery than s'mores.  But I ran out of time and just did s'more bites.
I crammed us all in the front room and turned the dining room into a play room.  I was actually so happy I did- and with 14 kids there total it was a good thing!  I had a christmas album in the record player, lights up, the gift exchange, and of course we had a winter wonderland photo booth.  I've discovered the only way I can get a picture of everyone is to do a photo booth.  I initially wanted to do frozen hot chocolate but realized it's not something you can really make in bulk and have out for a long period of time.  I had another idea involving peppermint ice cream but it's hard to find in July, last minute.  I appreciated everyone who came and brought a treat to share- it ended up being a great night!  Here are some pictures of it...
After all was said and done we turned on the TV to the last five minutes of this:
 I thought it was fitting.

18 comments

Alaythea said…
What an absolutely fabulous idea! It looked like so much fun!
Kenzie said…
That was a GREAT idea! It looks like you guys had such a great time! :) That would be so fun to do to get to know the people in your ward better!

and by the way, I totally laughed at the "yellow snow". that was awesome. ;)
and all of the treat look delicious!
It's just all so cute!


I really love how creative you are, even with your kids and so many other busy things going on, I mean I know a lot of people with that talent don't have time to do fun things like this and crafty activities when then have young kids and even a baby!
I want to be just like you when I'm a mom. :)

haha
xoxo,
Kenzie
Benj and Jackie said…
we are so glad you put this on and had a blast! thanks for a lovely evening and we love our pic as well :)
Sarah and Trent said…
Connie, that is such a fabulous idea! I might steal it sometime...and your decorations look amazing. I loved the watermelon snowman!!
Signe said…
You are always so creative!
Laura said…
It was so much fun! Thanks for hosting! :)
Kari said…
That is amazing! Especially the snoman! Someday I will be this cool and creative. Also, I wore the earrings I won a few months ago for the millionth time yesterday. They are so my favorites ever!
Lauren said…
Lol!! Love it. And can I say I am in loooove with your wainscoting. Cuz, I totally am.
thanks for the fun night. it was a blast.
salena said…
such a cute idea for a party!! i love the snowman melon..it's all very creative!
That's awesome, i have always wanted to have a Christmas in July party....maybe next year. Looks like so much fun!
Erin said…
it was so fun, and so creative! loved it! thanks for inviting us!
Vanessa said…
Wow, that is awesome! I love this idea and all the things you did! I need to do this one day, thank you for the idea! <3
Suget said…
you, connie, are the coolest person evaaah. I swear, i think you may just be the most creative person i have ever met. I love the idea of a christmas party in July! Nice photos and the yellow snow is hilarious, i like it.
Shay said…
Do you ever do anything halfway? sheesh! I want to be like you when I grow up!
Brea said…
This is awesome Connie! what a cute idea! I loved your watermelon-snowman! haha
Courtney B said…
Connie! This is amazing! You are the cutest!
Alex Obering said…
this is SUCH a cute idea. You are an adorable mom :)