A Dreamy French-Inspired Picnic (With Toddler Twist)

There’s something magical about summer afternoons—golden light, bare feet in the grass, and the kind of simple joy that takes you right back to childhood. My mom used to set up the sweetest picnics for my sister and me, complete with matching outfits (bless her heart). Now that I’m a mom, I’ve been dreaming of recreating that same whimsy for Chloe.

So when Bonpoint—the French brand known for its effortlessly chic children’s designs—asked us to collaborate, I knew exactly what I wanted to do: a Parisian-style picnic in our own backyard, starring Chloe and her bestie, Kirby. (Spoiler: It was every bit as dreamy as I’d imagined—with a few hilarious toddler interruptions, of course.)

The Vision: French Countryside, Toddler Edition

I’ll admit, my original fantasy involved a sun-drenched meadow in Provence, a wicker basket of crusty baguettes, and Chloe serenely nibbling on grapes like a tiny heroine in a storybook. Reality? More like:

• Kirby enthusiastically stomping on the baguette (“Look, I made bread crumbs!”).
• Chloe declaring the strawberries “too juicy” (then eating six in a row).
• Both girls rolling down the hill like wild hedgehogs—Bonpoint dresses be damned.

And yet? It was perfect.

The Details

1. The Outfits: Bonpoint’s Timeless Charm

Bonpoint’s designs feel like they were plucked straight from a French children’s book—think smocked dresses, delicate embroidery, and soft, breathable fabrics. I dressed Chloe and Kirby in matching floral-print frocks (because some traditions must carry on), complete with tiny leather sandals.

Pro Tip: Always pack backup outfits. (See: grass stains + “juicy” strawberries.)

2. The Spread: Simple & Sweet

No fuss, just favorites:

• Mini sandwiches (cut into heart shapes, because why not?).
• Fresh fruit (the aforementioned controversial strawberries).
• Macarons (because France—and also, bribery).
• Sparkling lemonade in tiny glass bottles (which the girls pretended was “champagne”).

3. The Activities: Unstructured Magic

No elaborate plans—just:

• Flower crowns (made with whatever blooms they yanked from my garden).
• Bubble wands (endless entertainment).
• A blanket fort (which Kirby immediately “redecorated” with sandwich crusts).

The Takeaway

Would this picnic pass muster with a true French mama? Probably not. (I’m pretty sure baguettes aren’t meant to be used as stomping toys.) But here’s what mattered:

• Chloe’s delighted squeal when she saw the setup.
• Kirby whispering, “This is the best day!” between macaron bites.
• That golden-hour glow on their little faces as they raced through the grass.

It wasn’t Provence—but it was ours. And really, isn’t that the point of traditions? To take the memories we loved and remake them in our own messy, beautiful way?