Portland Sampler

Finding beauty and delight in life’s little pleasures

  • Home
  • About
    • Who Am I?
    • What Is Portland Sampler?
  • Recipes
  • Archive
  • Contact
  • Search this website
You are here: Home / Eat Portland / BIRTHDAY BLOWOUT AND PARIS PREVIEW

BIRTHDAY BLOWOUT AND PARIS PREVIEW

July 25, 2016

Charlotte's Paris Picnic Birthday Party

I’m so happy to share the news.

We’re going to Paris!

It’s long been a hope of mine to return to my favorite city with my family — and two weeks from now we’re off.

So with Charlotte’s birthday weekend upon us this past week, there was lots of prep and research — plus a party that would get us all in the Paris spirit.

Tassels at Charlotte's Paris Picnic Birthday Party

Saturday was the day we celebrated her 12th birthday en famille.

First up, breakfast of her choice from Jim and Patty’s on Fremont.

Pizza Crisp from Jim and Patty's Portland

She couldn’t decide which pastry to get, so we got an assortment and shared them all: chocolate-cream cheese swirl muffin, New York coffee crumb cake, and a peach crisp pizza (with a short-dough crust).

All were so good (but the crisp may have been the best).

image

Then she had a theatre performance at Northwest Children’s Theater (they do such a great job!) and we surprised her with a bouquet post-show.

Flowers and Charlotte

And then off to lunch at a place of her choosing.

She wanted Pine Street Market and to sample the charms of Ken’s Artisan Pizza.

Pizza at Ken's Artisan, Pine Street Market

They always do such a good job there on pizza (and I get to grab some of my favorite bread loaves there, too.)

Pizza from Ken's Artisan, Pine Street Market

For dessert, Wiz Bang Bar, of course.

Wiz Bang Bar, Portland

This time she opted for a concrete with Salted Caramel Chocolate Soft Serve with homemade cookies and hot fudge mix blended in.

Charlotte and Oliver at Wiz Bang Bar

It was crazy rich and plenty big for us all to try.

Think of a concrete and Blizzards for Grownups (or gourmands).

Concrete from Wiz Bang Bar

Charlotte has become quite the steak lover, so there were grilled flat-irons and garlic bread for birthday dinner —  plus a fresh-from-the-market tomato salad to balance the richness.

Tomato Salad from Farmers Market

And then yesterday she enjoyed her big birthday party.

Paris Map at Charlotte's Paris Picnic Birthday Party

In light of our impending trip, we decided to make Paris Picnic the theme — and with temperatures in the mid-80’s, our front yard was the perfect place to set up a luxe dining spot.

Tassels at Charlotte's Paris Picnic Birthday Party

I grabbed blankets, sheets, pillows, tables, benches and flowers from all around the house

Flowers for Charlottes birthday

and my crafty daughter brought out all the things she’d made for the party: homemade Pom-Poms and tassels, banners, party favors and even this hand-drawn Pin-the-Bow-on-the-Poodle game.

Charlottes Pin theCharlotte's Paris Picnic Birthday Party Bow on the Poodle at

I love this poster so much; she saw this image somewhere on Pinterest and free-handedly drew a five foot long version of it.

Before you know it, her friends started to arrive.

Salut!

image

There was a lot of catching up to do as these girls hadn’t all been together for a while.

Charlotte's Paris Picnic Birthday Party

The girls played Charades, opened presents  — and then they enjoyed their feast.

I chose the mini Martinelli Apple Cider bottles because they look like mini-splits of Champagne.

image

I’d collected a number of my favorite French cheeses from both the farmers market and stores — plus breads from both Ken’s Artisan and Grand Central Bakery.

image

There was also lots of charcuterie and fruit, much of it from the PSU Farmers’ Market the day before.

Fruit for Charlotte's Paris Picnic Birthday Party

My favorite part of the party was watching the girls breaking off large chunks of bread and experimenting with the different options available, and introducing the girls to one of my favorite combinations: baguette, French butter, wild honey and Maldon sea salt.

Baguette at Charlotte's Paris Picnic Birthday Party

So simple and yet so swoonworthy.

Lastly, that Pin-the-Bow-on-the-Poodle Game.

Pin theCharlotte's Paris Picnic Birthday Party bow on the Poodle at

And then Charlotte pulled together the rest of the party favors — including a sleeve of French macaroons for each girl to enjoy later with her family: salted caramel, apricot, strawberry,  pistachio, vanilla and dark chocolate.

Macarons at Charlotte's Paris Picnic Birthday Party

I think our Paris Picnic was a big hit — and an exciting preview for us of the trip ahead.

Paris map

(I’m beyond excited to think of the picnics we’ll have there).

But one last thought before I sign off.

Figs.

Figs?

Yes, figs. Grab them and some of your favorite French melty cheese.

image

When you add them both to some sliced baguette (and drizzle some of that wild honey on top), you’re unlikely to eat anything better this week.

Figs on Baguette with Camembert and Honey

A bientot, mes amis!

Filed Under: Eat Portland, Favorite Portland Outings, Incorporating Vintage at Home in Portland, Parties

« GIRLS NIGHT IN — TAPAS EDITION
JULY GOODWILL AND GARAGE SALE FINDS »

Comments

  1. Amy says

    July 25, 2016 at 7:36 pm

    Je me réjouis en votre nom!

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      July 25, 2016 at 8:42 pm

      Tu est trop gentil! Tu as recu votre beurre?

      Reply
  2. Larry Friedlander says

    July 26, 2016 at 3:43 pm

    Ho – hum….another birthday at the Klines

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      July 26, 2016 at 5:58 pm

      I know, I know. My kids are so neglected. I’m saving money now for shrink bills later. Long time, Larry!

      Reply
  3. Heather Grossmann says

    July 29, 2016 at 9:44 pm

    Yahoo, Paris! Can’t wait to hear about it when you get back. Have a wonderful time!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Connect With Us

  • Email
  • Instagram

Copyright © 2025 · Portland Sampler