FESTIVE FEASTS

‘Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry without sweating it. Denise Raward gets into the Christmas in July spirit

THERE is something about tucking into traditional Christmas fare in the climate it was designed to be consumed in. Over the years, inhabitants of the southern hemisphere have leapt on the Christmas in July concept, relishing the warming properties of popping a turkey or pork roast into the oven for several hours when the thought is unbearable on December 25. That plum pud your mother made you eat with hot custard and brandy butter all makes sense when your cockles need warming too. Then there are Christmas sweaters, pure torture in summer but highly practical in midwinter, and even Australian holly gets its berries between May and August. Yes, it’s all pointing to cherry picking the best of the festive season before the humidity kicks back in.

D’ARCY ARMS, SURFERS PARADISE

Christmas comes but twice a year at the D’Arcy Arms where you can celebrate all things Yuletide every night for the entire month of July.

“We’ve been doing Christmas in July for so many years, I’ve lost count,” general manager Flossy Porter says.

First there’s the food: legs of ham, turkey with cranberry sauce, roast pork with lashings of roast veg and gravy and, for dessert, the ubiquitous plum pudding with brandy crème anglaise and vanilla-bean ice cream. Then there’s all the festive trimmings: decorations, bonbons, seasonal costumes, an open fire and Christmas carols.

“A lot of our customers dress up and bring their instruments in and sing carols,” Flossy says. “Everyone goes all out. We also have banquet dinners for those who come in big groups, like work Christmas parties.”

In the name of authenticity, you can opt to have your Christmas feast placed in the middle of the table, family style, so everyone can tuck in.

THE MOUNTAIN MANOR, TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN

Nothing screams Christmas in July louder than Tamborine Mountain with its cool winter clime, roaring open fires and cosy establishments.

The Mountain Manor (formerly Bungunyah Manor) is one of the oldest manor-style hotels in southeast Queensland and co-owner Shay Drysdale says Christmas in July is one of its favourite celebrations. “We get people who come every year,” he says. “Some get right into the theming and it’s always great to enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner when the weather’s perfect for it.”

A choice of two Winter Christmas dinner menus will be offered for the month of July, both featuring mulled wine, ham, turkey, traditional Christmas pud, mince pies and rum balls. If you want to make a night of it, there are Winter Christmas accommodation packages for the Manor’s Victorian suites, including midweek specials.

THE COLLECTIVE PALM BEACH

Shake out that Christmas sweater and book your spot at The Collective’s inaugural winter Christmas soiree on July 20. The venue will be transformed into a winter wonderland, there’ll be mulled wine and cider on arrival and the four-course dinner will have you counting down the days ‘til that oh-so-passe Christmas in December. On the menu is chicken liver parfait with cranberry salsa, the not quite turkey, a ballotine of chicken with sage and onion stuffing, and spiced pumpkin bread pudding (there are vegan and vegetarian options too).

There’ll be a band and DJ and — it was no joke — Christmas sweaters and other festive fashion statements are strongly encouraged.

BAZAAR, SURFERS PARADISE

Bazaar is best known for its vibrant marketplace feel with a wide selection of food from around the globe. Every Wednesday in July, they’ll be adding traditional northern hemisphere Chrissy delights.

Venue manager Shaun Allen and his staff are decking the kitchen in preparation.

“We’re doing lovely wintry dishes like rolled pork leg, lamb ribs, slow-cooked lamb shanks — even a full spit roast pig.”

There’s also something Grandma probably didn’t have on the menu: a Christmas turkey pizza with brie and sage.

BSKT, NOBBY BEACH

If you’re wanting Christmas feasting without any of the guilt, this healthy Nobbys cafe is just the ticket.

BSKT’s Christmas in July (on the 27th) delivers a Chrissy-inspired menu heavy in taste alone.

“It’s always a lovely community event under the fairy lights,” manager Rachel Ierna says.

“We put our healthy twist on traditional Christmas goodies and, of course, we provide our usual vegetarian and vegan options.”