Entertain “Kinfolk” Style This Summer

Instead of booking a last-minute summer trip, take a page from Kinfolk magazine —and make the most of staying home.

SUMMER FARE | If you use the school calendar—June through August—as a way to measure summer days and have yet to find the time to get away or relax absolutely, you have six weeks remaining to do something fun and seasonal. But these six weeks will slip away on you like the last six did if you don’t make kicking back a priority.

One obvious way to kick back would be to book a fly-away vacation at a destination resort (Gwyneth Paltrow recommended THESE POSH ONES on GOOP ). Going this route may be a great if expensive last-minute idea, but we’ve been inspired by the photo essays and videos produced by our new favourite lifestyle publication Kinfolk to remain close to home and to make the most of doing it too.

Kinfolk magazine is magical, an exquisitely rendered print and digital publication focusing on the social elements of entertaining: relationships, people, traditions and community. It’s about making connections with family and friends deeper and more enjoyable using mainly meals and small gatherings as catalysts. Entertaining Kinfolk-style is about keeping things simple, intentional, low-key.

Kinfolk’s evocative photography, keenly felt writing, sweetly emotional videos and beautifully documented Kinfolk dinner events (these happen all around North America; one takes place near Toronto tomorrow) are inspirational blueprints for planning perfect summery get-togethers with people you already know, people you would like to know better, people you have been wanting to meet. —Annabel Lee

In Vancouver, find copies of Kinfolk magazine at Marche St George, Old Faithful Shop and Vancouver Special. Visit the Kinfolk website at kinfolkmag.com

Photos: Kinfolk revellers, the latest issue of Kinfolk magazine