Christmas in July

Post by: Katherine

Have you ever wondered where the phrase "Christmas in July" originated from? We did a little research and the story is quite interesting.

The beginning of Christmas in July is not very clear, however, it is believed to have started in Europe. During the summer months, the weather would become so hot, that everyone would start longing for the cool weather of winter. People started having parties and festivals imitating those in December. They went so far as to have Santa Claus and gift exchanges.

The tradition of Christmas in July was so popular, that other countries have started their own traditions. In Australia, restaurants, hotels, bars and local shop started to advertise Christmas in July special sales and deals. Not only does Europe and Australia continue to celebrate Christmas in July, but we here in the US have also jumped on the bandwagon.

Although it is not an official holiday, Christmas in July has become a fun way to satisfy the craving for cooler weather and holiday cheer that many people experience during the hottest month of the year.

Do you join in any celebrations each year? We would love for you to share your traditions and festivals that you participate in for Christmas in July.

We at Painting Paris Pink would also like to join in on the celebration. Going on now in our Etsy Shop you can get 25% off any digital item (supplies & extra fees are excluded).

Christmas In July Sale

Summer In Paris...sneak peek

4th of July always holds a special place with me....it's my oldest daughter's birthday. This year she got to blow out 6 little candles. She's a huge fan of the Barbie movies and has become a big fan of Paris and the Eiffel Tower since watching them. It only made sense when she told me that she wanted a Paris party this year. 


...and so the planning began...


We had our party on June 23, 2012 and I can't wait to share all of the details with you. Those will be coming soon once I get the photos from the photographer. For now, I want to share a few of my own photos to give you a glimpse of the our 'Summer In Paris' Party Collection coming this month in our Etsy Shop.

Summer In Paris invitation

Summer In Paris water bottle labels

Summer In Paris fancy welcome sign

Summer In Paris party circles

Summer In Paris tent cards

Summer In Paris 4 inch party circle

We had such a great time creating this collection and there is so much more to share with you. It was a fun & festive set up and is sure to be a great inspiration for your next Paris themed party! We will share the full details & collection very, very soon!

We'd love to hear your thoughts!

4th Of July F-U-N!

Happy July, y'all! It's that time again....time for barbeque's, family & friends, and fireworks! We thought we'd share a few recipes with you to help make your 4th an extra special occasion.

Beefstro Bruschetta Burgers

 Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons reduced-sugar apricot preserves
• 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish
• 2 thin slices prosciutto or deli ham, chopped
• 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt-free lemon-pepper seasoning
• 8 slices French bread (1/2 inch thick)
• 1 cup fresh arugula or baby spinach
• 2 ounces Brie cheese, cut into eight thin slices
• 1/4 cup julienned roasted sweet red peppers

Directions:

• In a small bowl, combine the mustard, preserves and horseradish. In a small skillet coated with cooking spray, cook and stir prosciutto over medium heat until lightly browned. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine ground beef and lemon-pepper. Shape into eight patties.
• Using long-handled tongs, moisten a paper towel with cooking oil and lightly coat the grill rack. Grill burgers, covered, over medium heat or broil 4 in. from heat for 3-4 minutes on each side until a thermometer reads 160° and juices run clear. Remove and keep warm.
• Grill or broil bread for 1-2 minutes on each side or until toasted. Spread each slice of toast with 1-1/4 teaspoons reserved mustard sauce. Layer each with arugula, a burger, a cheese slice and 1-1/4 teaspoons additional sauce. Garnish with peppers and prosciutto. Serve immediately.

Credit to Taste of Home

Red, White, & Blueberry Coleslaw

Ingredients:

• 1 small or 1/2 large head green cabbage, cut into 1/4-inch wide strips (about 6 cups)
• 1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
• 6 strips bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled (reserve 1 tablespoon for garnish)
• 1/2 cup dried blueberries (reserve 1 tablespoon for garnish)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 cup toasted chopped pecans (reserve 1 tablespoon for garnish)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

 Directions:

• Toss the cabbage, onion, bacon, blueberries, mayonnaise, vinegar and sugar in a large bowl and toss to coat with the dressing. 
• Cover and refrigerate 1 to 4 hours.
• Stir in the pecans and season with salt and pepper just before serving. Sprinkle with reserved the bacon, berries and nuts. 

 

Credit to Food Network 

 Revolutionary Berries

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces white chocolate chips
• Strawberries
• Blue sugar or edible glitter

Directions:

• Melt 12 ounces of white chocolate chips in a microwave according to the package directions (make sure the container and the berries are dry; even a little moisture will alter the texture of the candy). 
•  One at a time, dip strawberries into the chocolate and then into blue sugar or edible glitter.
• Set them to harden on waxed paper.
• Makes 35 to 45 decorated berries.

Credit to Family Fun

 Have a fun & safe 4th of July :)

~Shannon