In Australia, a Vintage Bordeaux Summer Christmas is the perfect way to blend the elegance of vintage holiday decor with the laid-back vibe of summer. The rich, deep tones of Bordeaux can bring together the charm of antique ornaments and vintage finds to create an atmosphere that tells stories of Christmases past while feeling perfectly at home in the warm weather.

Christmas in the summer is the perfect chance to merge holiday elegance with a breezy outdoor vibe. Our Summer festive season is a cherished time, with the joy of family gatherings making it an incredible time of year.

Here are 6 no-fuss ways on how to create this timeless look that combines vintage charm with the fresh, relaxed feel of an Australian summer Christmas.

1. Choose a Rich Colour Palette

For a Vintage Bordeaux Summer Christmas, finding the balance between rich tones and bright, festive colours is key. Pairing deep burgundy with golden accents brings warmth and sophistication, while forest green with silver accents offers a fresh, elegant look. These combinations blend the richness of Bordeaux-inspired hues with the vibrancy of summer, creating a stylish, seasonal palette.

Be sure to focus on:

• Deep Burgundy & Forest Green: These two tones form the base of the Bordeaux aesthetic. Burgundy brings a sense of richness, while forest green adds a natural, grounding element that complements outdoor settings.
• Aged Gold & Tarnished Copper: Use these metallics as accents on ornaments, tableware, or candle holders for a vintage feel. These tones catch the summer light beautifully and add a hint of sophistication.
• Soft Creams & Pearl Whites: Balance the darker tones with creamy whites and pearl accents. These can show up in table linens, baubles, or even fresh blooms for an airy, festive look.
• Matte Black: Add a hint of black in small touches, like on napkin holders, frames, or even dinnerware, to create a striking contrast against the more delicate colours.

“The essence of a memorable summer Christmas lies in embracing Bordeaux’s rich heritage while infusing your decor with the carefree essence of summer.”

3. Design a Bordeaux-Inspired Table Setting

It’s time to set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience with vintage-inspired table settings. Moreover, showcase your finest china, crystal glassware, and elegant cutlery to create an air of refined elegance. Incorporate mercury glass decorations, such as vases and candlesticks, to add a touch of vintage glamour to your tablescape. Complement the Bordeaux colour palette with burgundy and gold christmas decor elements, with the warmth of an Australian summer.

• Mix-and-Match Tableware: Vintage silverware, tarnished brass, or copper pieces add a collected-over-time charm. Use crystal glasses in burgundy or amber tones for a nod to wine country elegance.
• Simple Table Linens: Cream or beige linen tablecloths provide a clean base that complements vintage decor without overpowering it. Run a eucalyptus garland down the centre, dotted with red berries or small florals.
• Add Candles & Candelabras: Use antique-style candle holders, candelabras, or mercury glass votives to bring soft, warm light to the table. The gentle glow will bring the setting together with a vintage touch.

4. Style a Relaxed Outdoor Dining Area

As the Australian summer’s warmth envelops the landscape, crafting a festive yet comfortable outdoor setting for your vintage Bordeaux-inspired Christmas celebrations emerges as a delightful challenge. Indeed the laidback charm of the Australian summer can be seamlessly merged with the elegant sophistication of vintage Bordeaux, creating a unique ambience.

• Alfresco Comfort: Set your table with white linen cloths, then add vintage tableware and floral arrangements in mismatched vases. Make sure seating is comfortable and shaded, especially if you’re dining outdoors.
• French-Inspired Touches: Add olive branches, grape vines, or seasonal florals. Think small bunches tucked in napkin rings or spread along the table for a French countryside feel.
• Natural Light Effects: Place metallic ornaments or glassware where sunlight can catch them. For a pop of colour, add sheer ribbons in burgundy that will glow in the sun.

5. Create Soft Evening Lighting

As dusk approaches, illuminate your outdoor space with a warm, inviting glow. So you could adorn your pergola with twinkling lights or hang lanterns from overhead beams to enchant the atmosphere. As well as this you could scatter tea lights or votive candles around tables and the perimeter to create a soft, flickering light that complements the vintage Bordeaux theme. This gentle illumination will perfectly set the mood for your holiday celebrations under the stars.

• Twinkle Lights & Lanterns: Drape string lights over trees or pergolas, or line your patio with lanterns for an enchanting glow. Opt for warm-toned lights to keep the ambience cozy.
• Scatter Tea Lights: Arrange tea lights around tables and paths for a gentle, flickering glow. This adds a magical touch and enhances the vintage Bordeaux theme.

“The key to creating an outdoor summer Christmas that captures the essence of vintage Bordeaux is to blend the laidback charm of the Australian summer with the elegant sophistication of France’s wine country.”

6. Make it Feel Like Summer

Ensuring guest comfort during the Australian summer is paramount. Utilize shaded areas, such as a pergola or an outdoor umbrella, to create a cool oasis. Hang gauzy, flowing draperies to add a romantic touch and enhance sun protection. Incorporate potted plants or small water features to further cool the ambiance and capture the essence of a Bordeaux-inspired summer retreat.

• Cool, Lightweight Fabrics: Use fabrics like cotton and linen in your colour scheme to keep the look light and breathable for summer temperatures.
• Simple Scents: Add fresh eucalyptus or lavender in small doses for a clean, natural fragrance that doesn’t overpower.
• Open Spaces: Keep windows and doorways open and uncluttered to invite the summer breeze inside.

Conclusion

Remember, this style of a Vintage Bordeaux Summer Christmas, is about mixing elegance with simplicity. Whether you’re working with family heirlooms or new finds, the beauty lies in creating a space that feels both classic and relaxed – perfect for a summer Christmas.

Let your decorations tell a story, mixing cherished vintage pieces with new finds that catch your eye. The beauty of a bordeaux Christmas lies in its ability to feel both timeless and fresh.

The joy of this style is its flexibility. Whether you have a collection of family heirlooms or are just starting to gather pieces, the deep, rich tones of bordeaux create a sophisticated backdrop for your summer Christmas celebrations. Let your space evolve naturally, adding pieces that speak to you while maintaining that perfect balance of vintage charm and summer lightness.