Celebrate Christmas in July With an Ornament Exchange Party
Who says holiday magic can only happen in December? With a Christmas in July ornament exchange, you can bring the joy and sparkle of Christmas ornaments and holiday decorations to the middle of summer! Imagine the fun of twinkling lights, festive music and the laughter of friends and family — all while staying cool with some refreshing holiday-themed drinks. Ready to host the ultimate summer holiday bash? Let’s dive into everything you need to know, from invitation ideas to exchange rules and even tips for choosing or crafting the perfect summer holiday ornaments.
Invitations: Summer Meets Santa Magic
Setting the mood for your Christmas in July ornament exchange starts with the invitations. Here are some whimsical ideas to get your guests excited:
Beachy Santa Invites Design/find invitations featuring Santa in swim trunks, lounging on a beach chair or building a sand snowman. This playful twist will definitely grab attention and set a fun, summery tone. DIY Ornament Invitations Send a small holiday ornament with each invitation. Write the party details on a festive tag attached to the ornament. It’s a sneak peek of the ornament exchange and doubles as a keepsake! Digital Delights Create/find a fun digital invitation with images of Christmas decorations and holiday ornaments. Use bright, summery colors like turquoise, coral and gold to blend the holiday theme with a sunny vibe.
Ornament Exchange Rules: Keeping the Fun in the Sun
Once your invites are out, it’s time to establish the rules for your Christmas in July ornament exchange. Here’s how to keep the game fair and enjoyable:- Ornament Criteria: each guest should bring one wrapped Christmas ornament or holiday decoration. Set a price range, like $10-$20, to ensure everyone participates on an even playing field.
- Number Drawing: as guests arrive, have them draw numbers from a festive beach bucket. This determines the order in which they’ll pick ornaments during the exchange.
- Steal or Swap: to add some excitement, allow guests to “steal” ornaments. After a guest picks an ornament, the next person can either choose a new one from the pile or steal an already opened ornament. To keep things fair, limit the number of times an ornament can be stolen.
Choosing or Crafting Thoughtful Ornaments
The best part of an ornament exchange is the variety of unique and thoughtful holiday ornaments everyone brings. Whether you’re purchasing or crafting your own, here are some tips to ensure your ornament stands out:
Personalized Ornaments Personalized ornaments with names, dates or special messages make for cherished keepsakes. They add a personal touch that’s always appreciated. Handmade Creations Show off your creativity by crafting your own ornaments. Use materials like clay, wood or fabric to create unique holiday decorations. Handmade ornaments are often the most treasured. Themed Ornaments Choose ornaments that match a fun summer or Christmas in July theme. Think tropical designs, nautical motifs or even holiday ornaments featuring sunglasses and surfboards! Classic Favorites You can’t go wrong with classic Christmas decorations like snowflakes, reindeer or Santa Claus. These timeless pieces are sure to be a hit with anyone who receives them.
Hosting a Christmas in July ornament exchange is a fantastic way to celebrate the holiday spirit in the middle of summer. With these tips and ideas, you’ll create a magical event filled with laughter, joy and beautiful holiday ornaments. So, gather your friends and family, deck the halls with your favorite Christmas decorations and let the summer holiday fun begin! Happy Christmas in July!