Get Set for a Mid-year Bump

Discover the joy of festive feasting this winter with ‘Christmas in July’ menu specials or themed events to draw a crowd ready to splurge with festive cheer. Did you know Australia’s first Christmas in July was celebrated at the Mountain Heritage Hotel in Katoomba NSW, back in 1980? Today, it has evolved into the popular Yulefest, drawing visitors from near and far to the Blue Mountains region for wintertime festivities. Your venue can also join the fun and boost winter bookings, by delighting regular diners and attracting new ones with all the joy of the season.

Festive favourites with traditional trimmings. A Christmas roast would not be complete without mouthwatering vegetables on the side. With Edgell’s great range of single and mixed vegetables in your freezer, you’ll have a ready supply with less prep and no waste. Easy, festive side dish ideas: • Caramelised Brussels Sprouts with Anchovy Butter – rich and savoury with an umami hit. • Edgell Aussie Beans Mix with toasted walnuts – a green and gold superstar. • Edgell Broccoli Florets tossed in butter, maple syrup, and cranberries – sweet and festive. • Glazed Carrots using Edgell Carrot Rings or Bias Cut Carrots – simple and crowd-pleasing. • Three Cheese and Vegetable Pasta with Edgell Bite-Sized Cauliflower, Broccoli & Carrot – perfect as a side or vegetarian main. • Colourful warm veggie salad with Edgell Peas, Corn & Capsicum Mix over rice or couscous. Aussie Christmas seafood stars While we love the traditional yuletide dishes, to Australians nothing says Christmas like prawns, so it’s worth adding some seafood heroes to your July menu. I&J’s great range makes seafoodmeasy to serve all year round, without the price spikes of summer!

Must-try Christmas in July seafood dishes: 1. I&J Coconut Crumbed Prawns, Salt & Pepper Prawns, or Spicy Double Crunch Prawns – perfect for salads or starters. 2. Seafood platters featuring I&J Panko Crumb Squid Rings, Salt & Pepper Squid, plus some of I&J’s signature prawn and fish products – ideal for sharing. 3. Prawn Pops Share Plate – an easy and festive snack. 4. Pops, Bites & Dips Boards – great for large groups or casual Christmas catch-ups.

Make your venue a winter destination Whether your Christmas in July runs for the whole month or just a day, go all out with the festive vibes – lay the table with bonbons and decorations, play some carols, bring out the tree and tinsel, maybe even Santa could pay a visit?

Christmas in July is a fun and profitable way to create memorable experiences for your staff and diners, all while boosting winter trade. Afterall, isn’t Christmas worth celebrating twice a year?