Part 1: Festive Feasting for a Christmas Lunch

Including tips on Décor, Menu, and Entertainment

Christmas in summer presents the perfect opportunity to take the celebration outdoors with bright décor, refreshing menus, and fun activities to keep the whole family entertained. Below, you’ll find ideas for hosting a summer Christmas lunch, including an outdoor and indoor setup, menu suggestions, drink options, and tips to keep kids happily engaged.

Outdoor Summer Christmas Lunch

Décor Ideas

1. Table Setup: Use white tablecloths with touches of red, green, and gold napkins for a festive look. Incorporate natural elements like eucalyptus branches, flowers, and seashells as centrepieces.
2. Lighting: Add festivity with solar-powered fairy lights, lanterns, and candles to keep the ambience warm. 
3. Seating: If space allows, place cushions or bean bags for relaxed, picnic-style dining on the lawn. Shade is essential – use umbrellas or a pergola with fabric drapes to keep things cool.

Menu Ideas

• Starters: Platters of fresh fruit, antipasti, cheeses, and charcuterie with crusty bread.
• Mains: Grilled prawns, marinated chicken skewers, and a cold glazed ham or turkey. Add fresh salads like watermelon and feta, or mango and avocado.
• Sides: Roast baby potatoes, grilled vegetables, and artisanal bread with butter and dips.
• Dessert: Pavlova topped with summer berries, trifle, and frozen fruit popsicles.

Drink Suggestions

• Adults: Prosecco cocktails with elderflower, iced sangria, or mojitos with mint and lime.
• Kids: Fruit punch with soda water, lemonade infused with mint, and chilled juices.
• Tip: Set up a self-serve drinks station for easy access.

Indoor Christmas Lunch Alternative

Décor Ideas

• Theme: Coastal Christmas – use blue, white, and silver tones. Display small Christmas trees with ornaments, seashell garlands, and twinkling fairy lights.
• Table Setup: Glassware with sprigs of rosemary tied to napkins, and festive crackers at each setting.
• Space: Arrange indoor games or a movie area for kids to stay entertained.

Menu Ideas

• Starters: Canapés with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber; or crostini topped with tomato and basil.
• Mains: Roast lamb or beef with chimichurri sauce, grilled vegetables, and quinoa salad with pomegranate.
• Dessert: Lemon tart, cheesecake with passion fruit drizzle, or ice cream sundaes.

Drink Suggestions

• Adults: Sparkling wine, chilled rosé, and tropical cocktails with pineapple and coconut.
• Kids: Smoothies, milkshakes, or sparkling apple juice served in fun glasses with straws.

Keeping Kids Entertained

1. Outdoor Fun: Set up water games like a sprinkler run or a slip-and-slide. Arrange for lawn games like cricket, bocce, or giant Jenga.
2. Indoor Entertainment: Provide colouring books, festive crafts (like ornament decorating), or a Christmas-themed movie with popcorn.
3. Christmas Treasure Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt for kids to find little wrapped gifts or Christmas treats.

Pro Tips for Hosting

• Prep as much as possible the day before to minimize stress.
• Offer shade, fans, or sunscreen outdoors to ensure everyone stays comfortable.
• Use kid-friendly plates and cutlery to make things easier for little hands.

Living in Southern Africa we are blessed with a sunshiny summertime Christmas allowing for the perfect opportunity to take the celebration outdoors with bright décor, refreshing menus, and fun activities to keep the whole family entertained. Christmas Lunch should be a celebration of all thing’s family, and in our beautiful rainbow nation we should let our uniqueness sparkle. We hope that you enjoy our ideas and keep following us for more ideas, tips and tricks.

Click here for part two of our festive feasting and entertaining article.