Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new full-service global airline, has today announced it will exercise purchase rights for an additional six Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. The landmark agreement, announced at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, drives the airline’s strategic expansion that brings Riyadh Air’s total Airbus A350-1000 confirmed fleet to 31 aircraft, significantly boosting its ultra-long-haul capacity. Riyadh Air also has 60 Airbus A321 aircraft on order, totaling 91 aircraft ordered with 19 options/purchase rights for the A350 aircraft still available to exercise, allowing greater future flexibility.
As midsummer arrives in the Northern Hemisphere, Hainan, China, welcomes its annual island-wide carnival. The 2026 (27th) Hainan Island Carnival will be held from now to August 18, extending a vibrant summer invitation to guests from around the world.
Greek Maritime Golf Event, the top golf event for the maritime community, returns for its 12th year, on September 4-6, 2026, at Costa Navarino, in Messinia. This year, the tournament will be held exclusively at The Dunes Course, the course named “Greece’s Best Golf Course 2025” at the World Golf Awards 2025.
It’s July, the sun is shining, and right now the only things on my radar are beaches, beer gardens, finding ways to keep my home cool and … Christmas?!
In the interiors world, and magazine world for that matter, Christmas in July is quite normal. As a journalist, I’m used to previewing baubles and tinsel in 30-degree summer heat. But this year, Christmas in July seems to be spilling into a home decor trend, and I’m not sure how I feel about it.
Is July too early to start thinking about Christmas? Is thinking about the festivities now proof of a pro planner, or is it a gimmicky excuse to spend money? The Ideal Home team is split – and we need you to help us decide.
‘It’s good for bargain hunters’
As someone who works in media, I’m well accustomed to the concept of Christmas in July. It’s the time of year when all the brands hold previews for their A/W and Christmas collections, and while it might seem early to some, I’ve become a fan of the time it gives me to get my Christmas decorating ideas in order and start getting prepped for the festive season.
(Image credit: Future PLC/Katie Lee)
As someone with expensive taste but a small budget, starting my Christmas prep in July not only means I can spread out the expense of buying new decorations and gifts, but I can also usually buy last season’s decorations at bargain prices. The best time to buy Christmas decorations on sale is in January, but there are still deals to be had in July. This year, I’ve spotted bargains at The White Company, with decorations going for under £5, and Balsam Hill is also holding massive sales on its gorgeous faux Christmas trees.
I love going all out on my decorations, so starting my Christmas planning and shopping in July is my savvy trick to make sure I can achieve that in December
The White Company
White Paper Decorations – Set of 3
If you love The White Company, but not their prices, now is a great time to grab a bargain on their Christmas shop. These stylish paper baubles won’t go out of style.
Balsam Hill
Canadian Blue Green Spruce Christmas Tree
Balsam Hill is responsible for producing some of the best artificial Christmas trees and is right now offering huge savings on its best trees.
Selections
Christmas Bauble Decorations Storage Box Bag With Adjustable Dividers 64 Compartments – Pack of 2
Now is also a good time to assess your storage solutions ahead of the festivities. It can make unpacking and repacking decorations way more simple and efficient.
‘Can we not just enjoy summer?’
I’ll start by saying that I completely agree that shopping out of season is a great opportunity to snap up sale bargains that are likely to go back up in price for Christmas. I’ve also been known for starting my Christmas present shopping in the summer months because it prevents last-minute panic buying and spreads the cost of Christmas over a few months – which I know my bank balance really appreciates.
(Image credit: Future PLC / Colin Poole)
But can we stop wishing the summer away? I know it’s been a hot one, but every time I go on TikTok or Instagram, I’m bombarded with nostalgic videos yearning for Christmas and cosy season. I hate the cold, and I’m not one to wish my life away – please, can we stop?
In June, EastEnders had one of its core characters celebrate ‘half Christmas’ complete with a decorated tree and turkey dinner, and it made me feel quite unwell. I’m all for sourcing a bargain, but I’m starting to feel like I can’t escape Christmas in July, and do we really need another excuse to spend money?
If you’ve actually snapped up a festive bargain, fair play, but to me, Christmas in July is just another sales trick to make you part with your hard-earned cash.
