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.
From the author of Wabi-Sabi Welcome, Al Fresco is a celebration of down-to-earth, outdoor entertaining, through casual gatherings and attainable well-being. 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 "[A] delectable paean to outdoor dining . . . Readers are sure to savor the stories and flavors packed within this delightful outing."
-Publishers Weekly
"Julie's fuss-free approach to entertaining is refreshing, and Al Fresco homes in on why we are so moved and transformed by the simple act of eating outdoors."
-Sarah Britton, author and creator of My New Roots
"Al Fresco is a stunning reminder not to wait for some future date to experience the beauty and freedom that nature offers."
-Camille Styles, founder and editor in chief of Camille Styles
"Al Fresco reminds us of the deep healing that takes place when we get out into nature-preferably with something good to eat and share. This book urges us to be less perfectionistic about how and what we serve and instead to focus on creating connection and being present."
-Amy Chaplin, James Beard Award–winning author of Whole Food Cooking Every Day
"Julie has a way of making simple everyday rituals feel beautiful and meaningful. This book is su
