Living in Australia, December is always hot, especially in Queensland. Growing up in Sydney, my mother, like many others slaved and swelted in the kitchen each Christmas day making a huge roast lunch – turkey, ham, roasted vegetables and Christmas Pudding with custard. Usually the temperatures are in the 30C but nothing would stop the Christmas Roast.
Times have changed and living in a multicultural society in Australia means that Christmas is not necessarily a tradition followed by all. Yes there is the Christian side which is the whole point of Christmas, however those of different faiths or no faith at all regard Christmas as a time for family and friends to get together.
Seafood Feasts are the order of the day for Christmas in most Aussie homes. However, I always feel nostalgic and miss Mum’s traditional Christmas lunch. It just doesn’t seem the same without it.
Christmas in July
For a number of years now, there has been a trend for restaurants in particular to promote ‘Christmas in July’ with all the trimmings of a traditional hot feast. Although a marketing promotion it is a way to satisfy those of us who yearn for a traditional Hot Christmas lunch or dinner,when the weather is cold.
This year, after a discussion with friends we decided to host our own Christmas in July dinner. I allocated someone to bring the starters and another to bring dessert, so I only had to make the main course.
My darling would look after the drinks and even made some ‘mulled wine’ which was a first for us all. He also looked after the Christmas background music.
I planned the menu but it was not easy finding a turkey at this time of year! I was on a mission and finally found one. The turkey as they say in Masterchef circles is the hero of the dish!
On the day before, hubby and I set the table with a small gift for each person, put up a small Christmas tree and decorations and started to get into the Festive mood.
On the menu
Starters
Cob loaf with dip
Devils on horseback – this is a blast from the past – prunes, wrapped in bacon and grilled – yummy!
Main
The turkey was a triumph!
Roast turkey with stuffing
Glazed ham
Roast potatoes, pumpkin, sweet potatoes
Pan fried Brussels Sprouts with garlic and chilli
Steamed green beans
Dessert
Layer cake topped with gold leaf, strawberries and cherries
Drinks
Mike made a delicious mulled wine
Champagne
Mulled Wine
Red Wine
The night was a great success and we all agreed that we should make this a new tradition each year. The only thing missing was snow!
19 Comments
Christmas in July sounds like fun! I often see the various hotels and venues promoting this but I have yet to join in myself!
Ingrid
http://www.fabulousandfunlife.blogspot.com.au
It was fun Ingrid you should try it some time.
As I said on FB Sue – I’m just a little bit sad that I missed out on coming – and after seeing all that gorgeous food I’m even more disappointed we live so far away! It all looks fabulous and I’m glad it was a success x
Yes you should have flown over in our private jet! There was certainly enough food and you would have been most welcome. xx
Mmm! Mulled wine! Great idea to try out Christmas in July this year. I was considering it myself, since a winter Christmas just doesn’t seem right to me. It won’t happen this year but maybe next? I’ll have to gather a few other Aussies for a feast I think š
I’ve never celebrated Christmas In July but it looks like a lot of fun!
Yum, you had me devils on horseback, now there’s a tradition to reinstate. Love your photos, it all looks so Christmasy and I am sure that, just like in December, a home cooked meal was much lovelier than going to a restaurant.
Yes we had a great time Jan and my husband really got into it as well making a playlist of Christmas songs and the mulled wine. Yes the Devils on Horseback are delicious and it is hard to stop at one, that is for sure. It was a fun night x
What a lovely celebration, Sue. My favourite photo is the last one of you two gorgeous people.
SSG xxx
Oh you are lovely SSG! have a great week xx
I went to Christmas In July Saturday night – my favourite event this year.
Your event looked so much fun.
Yes we had a great time Trish and will give it another go next year!
I have to admit because I cannot eat anything other than smooth and easily swallowed food, I did scroll by your pics I saw about this YUMMMMMO! D xx
Thank you so much for linking up for #lifethisweek 28/52. As it is my first week back since major surgery and I am very much in recuperative mode, I am leaving this general comment on your blog this week. Many thanks for your support of my blog and my recovery, Denyse x
Next Week’s Prompt: Winter.
You are doing so well Denyse and it is wonderful to see. You are an inspiration to us all. Take care xx
Fantastic fun Sue! Looks like a great feast and I love mulled wine too.
Yes we hadn’t had mulled wine before Debbie and it would have been perfect if it was snowing outside. Great fun night though!
[…] Celebrated our first Christmas in July with friends and what a fun night we had.Ā you can read about it here […]
This is such a cool idea, I always relate Christmas to freezing cold weather but one year we went abroad and had a warm Christmas which was a fun experience! Plus you get to celebrate twice š
Yes I thought it would be fun, Charlotte and it was. It was nice to enjoy a Northern Hemisphere menu rather than sweltering in the kitchen on Christmas Day. I think we will do it again next year. x