Plan Now, Sparkle Later: Decorating For Christmas In July

July, July, July, my favorite summer month.

Filled with hazy, hot and humid beach days.

Late night pool swims.

Backyard barbeques, fireflies, fireworks.


And Christmas!

Well, dreams of Christmas anyway. 

You see each summer I spend one week celebrating Christmas in July. It gives me time to play, prepare and plan for the upcoming holiday season.

Now, truth be told, traditionally, my focus has been on crafts. Over the years I've made ornaments, platters, upcycled decor pieces and wooden porch signs like Mr. and Mrs. Claus here, hanging out in my hallway.


However, in January, as I was packing up all my red and green decorations, I thought, you know, next year, I think I'd like to shake things up a bit.

But that takes planning. 

So this July, my focus is on that...planning my Christmas decor for the upcoming season. I mean, I know it's early, but the Santas are already showing up in stores.

I want to be ready when the sales start and grab my treasures before they sell out.

Plus, it gives me time to check out the thrift stores and summer yard sales for any festive holiday decor that might fit my new theme. 

And what pray tell will it be? 

Well, at the moment, it's still evolving, but I know it'll feature a lot of pink!

This post features gifted product from King of Christmas. All opinions are my own.

Shocking, I know.

This red devotee should be jumping up and down every December. It's a month full of my favorite color.

But...after more than 30 years of red, red and more red, 365 days of the year, I thought it might be fun to glam it up a bit with some gorgeous vintage styled pink and purple ornaments.

Even better, those colors look great paired with my existing reds and they really pop against the greens in my bedroom and family room.

And who can resist a splash of mercury glass in December?

30 Piece Ornament Set

Of course, there's a lot more to a Christmas decor plan than just the ornament colors. Although that's a pretty good start.

The real planning begins with The Nutcracker playing in the background, and me dreaming about sugar plums, snowflakes and tinsel...as I ask myself a whole lot of questions.

The first one being, will I decorate just one room, or will I go all out, spreading Christmas decorations throughout the house? I think we all know the answer to that one.


Then, I walk into each room and shift my focus to all things trees.

For they are the anchors.

Do I want trees flocked with snow or traditional evergreens?

My Flocked Tree

Perhaps this is the year to go retro and add a pink flocked or blue tree to each girls' bedroom...now that would be a change for sure.

Then I map out the possibilities and placement of one large tree versus several small ones. Or a combination of both.

With bases tucked into a galvanized tubs, contrasting with my new pastel ornaments for a rustic flair or covered with a velvet skirt adding to the elegance...lots of choices.

Lastly, I think about the lights. I consider simple sparkling white strands, my usual go to, multicolored and single colored strands for a little unexpected interest.

Once I've decided on my trees and lights, it's all about the details. The garlands, the wreaths and figurines.

Garland and Tree Set

The one thing I do know is that I'll still be displaying my cherished, sentimental pieces. The ones that make me smile when I bring them out of the box each year.

The ones that remind me of my mom and dad, the days when I was small and ones that bring back the wonder of when my kids were small.

Melding old traditions and handmade gems, with new decorations to keep it interesting.

Exciting.

And full of a different kind of wonder.

Because whether the decor is old or new, isn't that what Christmas is all about? 

Even in July.

🎄

Are you thinking about the holidays yet?


Merry Christmas In July, Friends!