MID-YEAR MERRY!

Gather your tribe to celebrate Christmas in July with this fabulous feast

An Aussie Christmas is all about fresh seafood, chilled drinks and sunny weather. But if you love the idea of a cool-weather celebration, then simply embrace Christmas in July. The idea originated in the US in the 1930s as a midsummer event and has evolved across the decades as a second chance to air festive films and shop the sales. Down Under it’s a way you can have all the traditional trappings of a northern hemisphere-style holiday, with the cosiness of crackling fires and hearty food more suited to midwinter than the real date. So this year, why not beat the winter blues by wrapping up a pressie or two and gathering your fave people for a fun feast.

1 LAY YOUR WINTER TABLE

Go all-in on the winter Christmas theme and decorate your table and sideboard with green leaves such as ivy, holly and seeded eucalyptus – faux is fine, too! Add lots of candles for a soft glow and you have a so-cosy scene.

2 PIPING HOT PARTY PIES

These carrot and mushroom pies have the flavour of the season – thanks to roast chestnuts and a dash of brandy in the filling – and flaky pastry crusts. They’re melt-in-the-mouth good.

ROAST CARROT, MUSHROOM AND CHESTNUT PUFF PIES

Preparation time 1 hour

Cooking time 1 hour 15 mins

Makes 8

3 carrots, peeled and finely chopped

2 Tbsp olive oil

Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season

30g unsalted butter

2 eschalots, halved and finely sliced

125g button mushrooms, sliced

30g walnuts, roughly chopped