Al Fresco

An Ode to Living and Gathering in Nature A picnic on the beach. Cocktails and a snack at sunset. Sharing a potluck meal around the fire, and letting the night drift lazily along in the pleasures of roasting marshmallows and swapping stories. Getting together in nature, with food and drink, is among the most restorative rituals we can experience, fostering a kind of intimacy and ease that’s rare in any other setting. Al Fresco, with its fresh, delicious recipes and unexpected ideas, its tips for exploring new ways to get outdoors, its interviews with dozens of kindred spirits, is an inspiring and beautiful playbook for anyone who wants to spend more time outside with friends and family. The credo is simple: Nature opens us up to ourselves, and the food we share opens us up to each other.  

Julie Pointer Adams is a photographer, writer, and creative consultant based in Santa Barbara, California, where she lives with her husband and son. Formerly the visionary behind the original series of global gatherings for Kinfolk Magazine, she has since worked as a stylist, art director, floral designer, and content creator for clients and collaborators all over the world.  

Contents   Introduction Ways to Gather Things to Do Outside with a Friend   Gathering by the Water Taiana Giefer and Leo Basica Collections from the Outdoors Sharon and Paul Mrozinski Gina Stovall Olivia Rae James Suarez and Blake Suarez Camille Moir Amelia Fullarton Nicole Wilson   Gathering Right at Home Maj and Frederik Henriques Tina Frey Cat Chen Things to Ponder on a Sunny Day Lana and Darrick Rasmussen Heidi Joy Baker Frances Palmer Tessa Tran and Zach Schau Ordinary Things to Make a Space Extraordinary   Gathering in Open Spaces Ayda Robana Ideal Snacks for Easy Get-Togethers Embracing Friluftsliv Ann and Ben Edgerton How to Heal in the Sun, Together or Alone Jesse and Ana Smith Musings on Scent [new title TK] Catherine and Justin Welch   Gathering in Intimate Spaces Jessica and Justin Donais Ways to Invite the Outdoors In Justin Chung How to Be Close to Nature Wherever You Live Kate McMahon Chandler Davis Laura Dart Christina Sadigianis   Gathering for Extra-Special Occasions Tips on Arranging Things that Once Grew Saehee Cho Molly Sedlacek Phoebe Cole-Smith Sandra Adu-Zelli Edie Caldwell Hallie Brewer   Gathering Anytime, Anywhere Being Well Under the Sun Trilby Nelson The Peace of Pause Hannah Ferrara and Malcolm Smitley Aliya Wanek Amy Merrick Hana Taninaka   Afterword Acknowledgments Index