Madison life - winter warmers: christmas in july

It’s turkey, eggnog and pudding galore as we offer up three Australian getaways serving “Christmas in July” feasts: 

FOR COUPLES Ravesthorpe Guesthouse & Restaurant, Albion Park, NSW, 02 4257 6096. This restored 19th century manor pulls out all the festive trimmings for its Christmas celebrations held over the last two weekends in July (Friday and Saturday dinners and Sunday lunch). With a thin layer of frost usually covering the manicured gardens, decorative touches like mistletoe and wreaths, crackers and holly set the scene for live Christmas carols and a five-course gourmet banquet served by the soft glow of an open fireplace. Mulled wine, roast turkey, baked ham and sticky date pudding are just some of the warming fare on offer. Afterwards, stay the night in the adjoining deluxe cottage complete with private courtyard and spa bath.

FOR FAMILIES Trackers Mountain Lodge, Falls Creek. Vic, 03 5758 3346. The kids can be guaranteed a Northern Hemisphere-style white Christmas at this Falls Creek ski lodge. A shedload of Christmas spirit (and Santa laden with presents) materialise in the lodge’s restaurant every Wednesday night throughout July.

FOR WILDERNESS Cradle Mountain Lodge, Cradle Mountain, Tas, 1300 806 192. With the great Tasmanian outdoors and a light dusting of snow right on your doorstep, you’ll feel all snug inside this tastefully-tinselled luxury lodge. The restaurant certainly knows how to lay on the Christmas decadence, with a menu of smoked Turkey, Freycinet oysters and Christmas pudding with brandy.

Can't get away? Bring a bit of Christmas cheer into your home with this homemade mulled wine.

Recipe: Ravensthorpe Guesthouse & Restaurant’s mulled wine

Ingredients
•  750ml bottle of dry red wine
• 2/3 cup of brown sugar
• Juice and peel of one small lemon
• 2 oranges, cut in halves
• 2 cardamom pods
• 4 cloves
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
Place all ingredients together in a heavy-bottomed pan. Heat the mixture and stir until the sugar has melted. Simmer for five minutes. Serve in small mugs (straining out the peel and spices), with an optional shot of brandy or other liqueur of your choice. Serve warm in mugs or glasses.

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