Happy Friday! I am loving the holiday season- my tree is trimmed, the twinkling lights are up, and the bar cart is filled with holiday spirits. I plan on packing in as many holiday festivities as I can before the season is over. I went searching the internet for some inspiration and I found some great ideas to share.
Portland is an endless source of cultural and culinary attractions. The cityscape is distinguished by vibrant neighborhoods with a mix of year-round recreational activities, proudly unique artisan boutiques next to distinguished established brands, a food scene unlike any other, and an enviable proximity to a beautifully wild and natural landscape. The holidays are a particularly exceptional time to visit. Armed with the advice and cheer of my fellow bloggers, here is a special curated guide to the winter holiday season in Portland.
Food is one of the best parts of living in Portland and food bloggers are notorious for taking part in the culinary culture. Here are just a few holiday menus and recipes that serve as the some of the best Portland has to offer.
While my friend, Michelle, has recently moved to San Francisco, she has been a Portland foodie for years and collected this awesome menu in preparation for Christmukkuh. Try Bite-sized Baked Bri With Honey, Dark Chocolate & Cranberry Challah Bread Pudding, and more. Michelle also created a 2015 Culinary Guide to Portland in case you prefer to go out on the town for the holidays. 
Photo via www.hummingbirdhigh.com
The ladies at Twelfth Avenue have concocted Gingerbread & Chai Latte Bars that will make any party you throw a delicious success. And for dessert, consider this STUNNING Spiced Eggnog Pound Cake from Chocolate and Marrow.
Photo via www.chocolateandmarrow.com
If you are entertaining, the lovely Rebekah at PDXFoodLove has assembled a few great tips for planning ahead with an especially great tip on decor, involving sparkling juice, beautiful glasses, and a few sprigs of rosemary.
Photo via www.pdxfoodlove.com
If you need activities for your party or holiday guests, Kelsey Malie has a thoughtful guide to DIY handmade ornaments would serve as a fun project for a small gathering.
Photo via www.kelseymalie.com
While Christiann has an incredible recipe for Paleo Dark Chocolate & Fig Tart with a Buckwheat and coconut crust, she also has a fantastic gift guide. Most of her ideas are perfect for the Portland foodie, so scroll through her beautiful food photos and then shop for the perfect gift.
photo via www.portlandfresh.com
Another gift guide is available from Eva at Adventures in Cooking. She has put together a list of original craftsman pieces to support small business.
Photo via www.adventures-in-cooking.com
As far as my own advice, I would recommend that you check out Pioneer Square to see the beautiful Christmas tree. I also will be exploring Christmas at the Oregon Gardens this year for the first time. Or bring some hot chocolate, dress warmly, and explore Peacock Lane, famous for holiday spirit and its spectacular light display. Ultimately, if you want to get out and make the rounds throughout Portland, you have more choices than you would in most towns. Here is a comprehensive 2015 Holiday Events Guide to Portland from The Oregonian. Portland traditions, light displays, not-to-be-missed theater and music entertainment, cultural celebrations, a few excursions, and even holiday volunteer opportunities are summed up for you in this calendar.
Whether you are seeking festivities, tours, or entertainment, Portland has it all. And if you are staying in or hosting the celebration, Portland’s best bloggers have advice, menus, activities, and more to help guide you through a Portland inspired winter wonderland.
Love,
Rachel xo
Great round up! Those bite sized baked bries look SO good!
Love this! So many great tips and I really need that Spcied Eggnog Pound Cake in my life.
What a great roundup of yummies and creative ways to make some cheer as a holiday project when it's storming and flooding out there. I keep pointing out the weather has also returned lots of beautiful snow to Mt Hood to get a little wintertime adventures on!
Nice! I'm eyeing that brie, too. I might have to throw some kind of "brie and cake" open house.
Dying over the titles of every food item. Beautiful imagery.
That dark chocolate and fig tart looks like a real winner! And Portland IS such a great foodie city. I've only been once but basically all I did while I was there was eat 🙂
These pictures are beautiful. I hope to one day make it out to Oregon. Thanks for sharing!
Oh my gosh, that eggnog pound cake from Brooke?! *Swoon!*
OMG! I have to share this with my siblings! We are visiting Portland next weekend and this is just in time! I love desserts! If I could visit them all I would! I'm super excited! Thanks!
Love this list, Rachel! And thanks for including the eggnog cake 🙂 🙂
Also, I had not heard of Peacock Lane and am so excited to check it out. I feel like it's a great date night thing to do w/ hot cocoa or even w/ my mom while she's in town!
Happy holidays, lovely lady!
That dark chocolate and fig dish needs to get in my belly already! I'm in Portland a few times a year and you've given me fresh ideas for my next trip.
omg the dutch pancake….YUMMMM
http://www.dawnehanks.com
Yum! This all looks so good! Especially that cake!
Portland is on my short list for places to travel too! After reading your post I just might move it up a few spaces!