We have got a little while to go before the big day in December, but for many of us, Christmas is a holiday we’ve taken to celebrating more than once in the year.
The Christmas season is unique in that we’re able to stuff our faces with prawns before waiting out our food comas on the beach.
But a Christmas accompanied by the winter chill and a steaming roast lunch can be considered equally as special.
“Christmas in July is the perfect opportunity to live out your dreams of a white Christmas, snuggled up on the sofa with a chunky throw blanket and a warm glass of mulled wine in hand,” says Mia Lake, interior design director at Vic Lake Architects.

“While the charm of a classic Aussie Christmas barbecue in the afternoon sun is not lost, July is the perfect time to retreat indoors into a calm and cosy space.”
Below, Mia shares her latest and greatest Christmas decoration ideas to help inspire your interiors this pseudo silly season.
1. Spread the cheer with wintry hues
We naturally gravitate towards a warmer and more coastal palette in summer with sea blues and sunny yellows, but in winter, we’re invited to embrace a cooler set of colours.
“We can take inspiration from nature and the cooler climate,” says Mia.
“This means embracing warmer textures and a deeper colour palette of dark smoky blues, mulberry and forest green – all of which should be complemented against a crisp winter white.”

2. Downplay your Christmas ornaments
Everyone’s expecting you to go big on the Christmas wreath and decorate excessively with Christmas baubles in December, but July is a time to keep your decor a tad more understated, says Mia.
“Expect to see a pared-back and contemporary approach to festive decorating,” she says, adding that twinkling fairy lights and oversized paper stars are the way to go.
“Nordic design aesthetics will play a big part in the decor trends this year,” she says, adding: “In December, we will see the same understated design approach trickle through, moving away from traditional decor and towards abstract decorations, florals and greenery.”

3. Rug up with cosy textures
If you try wearing a blanket and enjoying a warm beverage in summer, it’s likely you’ll end up with heat stroke and a fever.
Winter is the time to give plush textures centre stage as part of your Christmas decor. “Think faux fur blankets that you can wrap yourself up in,” says Mia.

4. Use fresh florals in your centrepiece
Hosting the annual Christmas in July lunch? Don’t let your centrepiece become an afterthought and take Mia’s advice if you want to create a stunning backdrop for your meal.
“The key to creating a stunning table centrepiece is layering simplistic pieces together at different heights and shapes to create interest,” says Mia.
“A natural element is a must, so opt for fresh magnolia leaves or pine clippings in clear glass vases, layered against the glow of pillar or tealight candles.”

5. Get creative with your Christmas tree decor
Take the concept of hanging Christmas decorations to the next level with a tree that’s far from the expected aesthetic.
“Christmas in July calls for a tree in the not-so-traditional sense. Get creative and hang a sculptural branch over your dining table or lean it against a wall,” Mia suggests.

6. Consider all the senses
The thought of Christmas in the home evokes memories in more ways than one.
Think images of Christmas decorations like a beautifully decorated tree, a fruitful wreath, and Christmas crackers on the table. We also think of smells like cinnamon and pine, and the unmistakable sound of Michael Bublé’s greatest hits.
“The key to successful Christmas decorating is creating an atmosphere in your home,” says Mia.

“Leave your dusty Christmas decorations in their box and instead focus on creating a calm warm ambience through the senses of touch, smell, sight and sound.
“Think your favourite feel-good music, cinnamon-scented candles, and fresh greenery against a calming, minimalistic interior.”
This article was originally published as Christmas decoration ideas by www.realestate.com.au and is written by Katie Skelly.