Whoever heard of Christmas in July? Well, magazine editors and fashion buyers are probably looking at next year already. But for the rest of us, Christmas in July is not a thing. Or is it? This past year has been so topsy turvy. So many of us couldn’t spend Christmas with our loved ones. Well, guess what? We are now hearing of more and more people celebrating last Christmas this July. As restrictions are lifted, people are planning the Christmases they couldn’t have in 2020. And don’t think that we just mean a nice get together and a meal. We are talking Christmas trees, decorations, crackers, paper hats and a full turkey dinner. Some people have even kept presents until they could be together again.
What a fantastic idea! There may not be any snow – and it’s a tad warm for the Christmas jumper in July – but what better way to welcome back family and friends than a big Christmas-in-July party? With this in mind, the team at Juliettes decided to enter into the spirit of things and provide some luxury décor inspiration. On a rather warm day recently, we got together with At Last Events and their astounding collection of every type of decoration you can think of. They came along with a van full to the brim with baubles, bows and berries to turn our Chelsea showroom into a glorious winter wonderland for the day. We’re still hoovering up the glitter but it was worth it to see the two inspired themes we created.
Christmas in July – Black & Gold
You may have noticed that Juliette loves black and gold. No Christmas styling of ours would be complete without it – especially when it provides such an opulent, grown up, glamorous look. We started with our blank canvas – a gorgeous black and gold circular table with a rich faux marble top. Alongside, we also used a stunning, gold ombré sideboard. Obviously, this dining table would be for a small, intimate gathering. The beauty of Christmas table décor, however, is that it can be scaled up to suit whatever size of table you need.
A Quick Aside
Just a quick note before we get on to all the lovely pictures. Joking aside, July really is the time to start thinking about your Christmas dining room if you haven’t already. Luxury furniture like this is specially made to order. Perfection takes time. So if you are looking forward to a fabulous Christmas gathering in December this year, start looking at luxury dining tables and dining sets as soon as you can. Give yourself the summer to browse and find your perfect furniture. Don’t leave it until September when you’ll have to make rushed decisions. Do it now. Then you can just sit back and wait for the star of the show to arrive.
Back to Christmas in July
For our black and gold theme, we wanted to bring in elements of some of our luxury furniture and accessories. This meant feathers, golden leaves, exotic foliage and plenty of sparkle. Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without berries, bows and baubles, and we had these in abundance, all in sumptuous gold and black.
When styling a Christmas dining table (or sideboard, console or coffee table), we like to start with a stunning centrepiece to grab people’s attention. It needs to be as big as you can make it whilst leaving enough room for your table settings, food and the odd elbow. Remember, though, that your guests want to talk to each other. While it may look lovely on Instagram to have tall candlesticks or long-stemmed fruit bowls brimming over with festive fruits and decorations, it is not conducive to conversation if you keep having to peer round an oversized installation. Your centrepiece does need height but make sure that everyone can see over it when seated. We just happened to have a wonderfully flamboyant crystal pineapple, so we started from there, working outwards and downwards.
With the sideboard, we followed the same principle, starting with a striking baroque-style urn at the centre. Two matching lamps and gold candles added extra height, before we filled every space with layers of greenery, feathers and luxurious decorations.
A Turquoise Christmas in July
Our second theme was inspired by a set of beautiful turquoise glasses. We had thought about styling them with white decorations but this looked ice-cold and frosty, a bit like Disney’s Frozen – not a look we were after. By using gold and ivory, it kept the warmth and elegance we had in mind, while the splashes of turquoise and the fabulous peacock feathers harmonised beautifully with the glassware. This time our centrepiece started with a simple wine cooler, complete with champagne. An alternative option – one that takes next to no time, and very little space – is to fill a large, decorative bowl with baubles, berries and foliage. The added advantage of this is that it is so easy to move if you need more table space.
Ask the Professionals
If you need help to get your dining room, living room, hallway or exterior perfect for Christmas, Juliettes Interiors can help at any or every stage. Whether you are looking for a single piece of luxury furniture, a full interior design and installation service, or someone to come and transform your home and garden into a spectacular winter wonderland, give our team a call. From barware to building, wreaths to reindeer (even real ones) let us do the legwork while you enjoy a stress-free season. Remember, Christmas decorating services are in great demand so don’t leave it until the last minute.
Not Ready for Christmas in July?
We know not everyone is up for Christmas in July. Don’t worry, we’ll bring you more hints and tips on styling your dining rooms, mantelpieces, sideboards and coffee tables nearer the time. In the meantime, start looking for that perfect new dining set. Now.
