I’m sitting at my kitchen table, listening to the sound of rain on our tin roof. It’s been raining for about 12 hours, and there’s a slick layer of ice outside. And underneath all this rain are the remains of winter: frozen ground and piles of snow. Up until a few weeks ago, we’ve had a mild winter. Then, the blizzard hit and we officially launched into winter with 40+ inches of snow. And now, the freezing rain. About this time each year, I begin to long for a change in the seasons. And I dream about wearing sandals (but know we still have a few months of wool socks & closed shoes)…

I am more than ready for the warm days of Spring. For front porch dinners and twinkling overhead lights. For picnic lunches and longer nights. I love the carefree simplicity of a picnic for two. An outdoor meal shared with someone you love doesn’t need to be complicated, but it can certainly be beautiful, with little effort. Toss some linens & cutlery, a few vintage glass bottles & candles into a basket. And don’t forget the wine. Bake some bread the day before. Stop by your local grocer for some vegetables, cheese, and charcuterie. Then find a shaded grove in the park or a secluded stone poolside. Set up your home away from home, and enjoy each other’s company, and the simple feast you’ve prepared.

Here are the details from this shoot, which first appeared in Volume 4 of Hearth Magazine:
Photography: Kelly Sauer
Styling: Rebecca Gallop
Bread: Melinda at Knead & Know
Styling Assistant: Tia Stockton
Florals: Meredith Kope
Location: Goodstone Inn