Saturday, July 3, 2010

Ho, ho, ho ...

Do you celebrate Christmas in July?
This is my first winter as a single Mum and I thought it would be a fun family tradition to start with the kids.
For readers from the northern hemisphere, Christmas in Queensland is hot. Damn hot!
So eating a traditional festive meal is not exactly fun.
Generally, our families tend to gravitate towards a menu featuring loads of seafood, fruit, and salad, with barbecued ham and/or chicken. Traditionally, we eat by the pool or inside in the air-conditioning, and there's always backyard cricket afterwards.
It’s still delicious, but it’s not like the traditional Christmas lunches you have throughout Europe and America.
So in July, our coldest month of the year, many families and restaurants celebrate Christmas in July.
A hot meal of turkey and ham, with pudding for dessert, is much more enjoyable when the weather is cool, preferably enjoyed by a log fire.
Santa usually makes an appearance with small gifts for the kids, crackers are pulled, carols are played, and everyone has a relaxing time.
This year, we’ll probably do a Christmas in July at home.
However, cashed up Queenslanders might like to take a trip to Thulimbah, near Stanthorpe, where Bella Rosa’s Tearoom, Cottage and Garden Centre is offering a Christmas in Winter lunch.
Bella Rosa’s is set in a historic building which was used as a butcher’s shop in the 1900s, complete with some of the original fittings and an old worlde atmosphere.
And everyday in June (okay that’s gone), July and August, Bella Rosa’s is putting on a 5-course meal, including roast meats, plum pudding and all the trimmings. Adults are $55 including a gift from Santa, with a special kids' menu for $20.
There’s a cottage with a log fire if you fancy staying longer.
Bella Rosa’s also offers chocolate making workshops (Mr 9 put his hand up for that one), and delicious high teas.
For details, go to their website.

Bella Rosa's has a stall at the Ipswich Handmade Expo, held each month at the Bundamba Turf Club.

Here, you can sample some of their decadent cakes and biscuits ... including the world's first jamdrop pizza! (Trust an Aussie to think of it...)

Jam Drop Pizza
Mr 9 has Asperger's Syndrome, and often has trouble sleeping, so I bought him one of these $10 crosses to help comfort him at night.
And finally, you don't see calenders like these too often! I think this would make the perfect gift for the woman who has everything, don't you?
Photobucket

5 comments:

Ms_MotorbikeNut said...

I've never gone for Christmas in July but then I've never had a Christmas in July. I might take a swing at it next year.

Not Quite Nigella said...

I have celebrated it and it's always quite fun but we haven't done it in the snow (yet!). And the calendar made me chuckle! Yep the chances of your friend already having that are low! :P

bubbachenille said...

Bella Rosas tea rooms are just the best! I always like to get my fix at The Handmade Expo though!

So Now What? said...

How I love your blog. Although I usually come away craving something delicious. You are the undisputed queen of doing cool things. Only wish it was all closer xx

Unknown said...

Oh thank you. Right back atcha Bern ...