Birthday parties are a perfect time for an Escape. Debra shares her daughter's: "My daughter Isabella has had "a trip to Paris" on her gift wish lists for a couple of years. When her aunt & uncle asked if she would be interested in going on a trip with them this past Winter, she replied "to Paris?!!!" When it came time to plan her 9th birthday celebration immediately Paris came to mind.

The Theme: A typical pink themed Parisian party wouldn't do for this 9 yr. old, she wanted the authentic colours of the French flag, think Bastille Day combined with Breton stripes and of course the Eiffel Tower.

Decorations: Lots of red, white & blue. Breton stripes, fresh flowers in rustic pails, french inspired red & white linen runners, chalkboard signs showing the "Patisserie" and "Parfumerie", a "you are here" Paris map, and a bunting made with antique Paris photos, created the french bistro/nautical atmosphere.

Invitations: Handmade invitations with a hand illustrated Eiffel Tower printed postcard style.

Games/Activities: We made "Souvenir de Paris" glitter globes using jars, mini Eiffel Tower charms spray painted red and lots of blue glitter. We also made "perfume" which was a big hit. The girls loved mixing essential oils to create their scent. The scents were bottled in mini spray bottles with vintage "parfum" labels.

Guests: 10 nine year old girls dressed in stripes.

Food: A "Patisserie" table included homemade lemony Madeleines, strawberry mousse tarts, mini cupcakes, and cookies. A selection of red, white and blue candy in vintage mason jars and popcorn in sweet white scalloped boxes. The main course included croissants, brie, frites (french fries), mini hamburgers, and berries served in vintage berry baskets. They loved sipping my homemade version of French Lemonade made from frozen pink lemonade and mineral water.

Favor Bags: Guests left with mini travel kits, a luggage tag, a french language travel guide and travel journal.

A fun party to plan!

Thanks Debra - it looks like a fun party to attend as well!