A Magical Christmas in July Gathering

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… in July. And can I let you in on a secret? It is all about the ‘magic’ and the feeling of Christmas and enjoying that all year long. We have already talked about 2 ways to set up a ‘magic filled’ summer celebration this year. Today we are looking back at last years gathering. And I am sharing a few more tips as we wrap up this festive summer celebration season.

Christmas in July

Today it is about ideas for creating that magic for a special summer evening gathering out under the stars. Full of twinkling trees, flickering candles & that can feel as ‘Christmasy’ as you would like.

Set the Stage

The first thing I do whenever I style a place for a gathering is to set the stage. For this summer evening – whole goal was a lot of cozy ambiance, a place to sit and break bread together and a place to relax and enjoy an evening full of magic.

On the Table

On the table it was all about the centerpiece.

Fresh clipped branches, led twigs and birch candles were perfect for creating center of the table.

Tip: Use delicate lights like star garlands or battery operated fairy lights in layers on the table for creating a warmth for guests to enjoy.

I started with fresh clipped cedar branches for a natural touch. And then layered lighted snowy branch twig garland over them. The branches have a very soft glow that adds just a bit of that fairy light magic. To bring in some height- I used 3 sizes of Miracle Flame LED birch candles.

The Backdrop

When it comes to the backdrop- it is all magic. I set up several twinkling trees for a beautiful backdrop for the fire pit area. And as you can see- that twinkle backdrop works the same magic for the dining area as well.

I am a Huge fan of these accents trees for year round ambiance. You have seen them tucked into the trees behind the patio of the main house. And they brought just as much charm to the guest cottage patio area. For this small space styling, I used two 7′ Birch trees and two 6′ Snowy Branch Trees.

Tip: Mix & Mingle different heights of the twinkle trees for layers and interest in your backdrop.

The Lounge Area

Creating a spot for everyone to retreat to and relax after dinner was so much fun. With the twinkling trees, fire pit glow and candles flickering it was a charming place to sit and stargaze.

Tip: Set a couple of candles up in the sitting area and bring the nibbles platter over for enjoying fireside and with cozy conversation

A Magical Summer Tree

Of course, the piece de resistance of this area – that magical Christmas tree twinkling away in the corner. It brings so much warmth and a feeling that is almost felt like you were sitting down for an evening at a resort where their trees are all lit up with magic.

I set up one of my favorite Balsam Hill trees- the European Fir. This tree has a natural, somewhat wild and wonky shape that I love.

I decorated it with several layers of Easy Wrap fairy lights for even more magic. I am obsessed with these lights and will be using them all over the place this holiday season. I added a couple snowy twig branch garlands & love the natural element that they bring. I also tucked a few pinecones that I gathered up and some dried seed pods into the branches.

For the ornaments- I kept it simple. I mixed vintage ornaments with some mini mercury glass ornaments for a subtle shimmer and shine.

And my favorite touch? The Capiz star garland.

Favorite Things- Capiz Star Garland

You might remember this star garland from my holiday decor last year And for this gathering- I used it in several places as well. On the table, on the tree branches and on the Christmas tree. I absolutely love how the lights light up the capiz and create such a warm glow. Pure magic!

Tip: On the tree- the star garland all lit up brings an extra layer of lights. On the table, it brings a warm glow that compliments the candles. And in the trees- those stars dancing in the branches bring a bit of celestial Christmas magic to this gathering.

When it comes to Christmas in July- as you can see- you can bring all those favorite holiday elements together to create a magic filled place to entertain and gather out under the stars.

With twinkling trees and stars in the branches- it combines the magic of Christmas with the wonderful feeling of summer nights for a setting that is filled with ambiance.

Shop the Look

You can shop Balsam Hill’s Christmas in July SALE– for a few more days and find everything you need to get ready for a beautiful celebration now and again this holiday season. And most everything is on sale and up to 50% off right now– and take an Extra $50 off $300 or more with code: CAJCOURTNEY50OFF

Capiz Star Garland | Birch LED Candles | Twinkling Birch Tree | Snowy Branch Tree | Snowy Branch Garland | Easy String Fairy Lights | European Fir Tree

What do you think of this Christmas in July gathering? I love how it came together and hope you do too. I will share another styling to celebrate soon. Happy summer entertaining all.

You can find my other two stylings for Christmas in July this year: Potting Shed Christmas gathering HERE . And summer Christmas table HERE.

• Disclosure- I work with Balsam Hill as their Ambassador- and love celebrating all things Christmas with them all year long.