So… even though July just ended, I couldn’t resist sharing this ADORABLE “Christmas in July” photo shoot that Victoria from The City Cradle recently created.  Between the water balloon “snowballs“, mini “Christmas trees” planted in birdcages, cherry “mistletoe“, gift delivery via bicycle, and more – this concept is so much fun!

P.S. There’s lots of great inspiration in here that you could apply to Christmas in December (or August!) celebrations too. =)

Read on for lots more pics and all the creative details, as told by Victoria…

“I am super excited to share this lovely little photo-shoot I styled as a cool oasis in the middle of our very hot summer. Christmas in July – 115 degree desert style (that was the actual temperature the day we shot)!

It all started with the idea to cool down and cheer up for the summer by bringing surprise Christmas gifts to our neighbors. I think that is just the loveliest of ideas, especially in July & especially if they are tied up with red twine and dragged behind a bike!

Although it is not a normal Christmas occurrence where we live, having snowballs seemed quite necessary. A vintage crate filled with water balloons holds the makings for a summer’s worth of fights that are sure to cool things down!

A dessert table is set up on a reclaimed, painted table filled with holiday treats! Christmas cookies are stacked high on a homemade cookie stand to elicit smiles all around.

To bring home the holiday spirit I planted mini Christmas trees that hung in red painted bird cages.

More snow was also a necessity! The beautiful white star snowflakes are the creation of Lisa and can be found for purchase HERE.

Peppermint pops made with candy sticks and a bit of frosting were scrumptious additions.

It brought me great joy thinking through what desserts we could serve! Snowballs, candy & cookies… and to drink: peppermint shooters (aka melted red slurpees) seemed perfect. I also included doughnuts with DIY holiday flags that are super easy to make – see the tutorial HERE.

I loved the idea of using cherries throughout our shoot. Perhaps because they bring me so much cheer?

The bike basket overflowed with cherries and flowers, and a bunch of them hung from the tree as “mistletoe” to smooch underneath! Paper cones filled with cherries also served as a healthy additions to our sweets display.

An ornament display of baby’s breath and ribbon is just as lovely in the summer as it would be hanging over a holiday table. Strung from a tree or carried as a bridal bouquet, I believe I am equally as smitten about using one of these as a part of any upcoming celebration!

I hope this inspires you to celebrate cheer, and the holidays even amidst the HOT, HOT days of summer!”