As chilling temperatures loom ahead, my thoughts are staunchly stuck on summer’s many sun-drenched, inspiring moments. California’s low-key cool and Paris’s annual silence feel like weeks, not months, behind us and the Kinfolk Magazine picnic I attended at the tail end of August seems more like fairy tale reverie than reality.

A group of twenty creatives, from photographers and writers to graphic designers and bloggers, convened along the cobblestone docks of the Seine, lit entirely by passing boats and Paris’s glowing, wrought iron beacon, unobstructed from view. Candles in bell jars were strung from vintage bicycles and old photographs served as name cards for all guests – a wonderful keepsake. For an urban picnic, the atmosphere was distinctly pastoral and perfectly embodied the Kinfolk manifesto, right down to the simplicity of the aesthetic – paper plates, wooden utensils, wicker baskets, and the obligatory old blanket.

Celebrating summer’s bounty with such an inspiring group was an experience I’m not soon to forget. And the backdrop? Not bad either. Hats off to Rubi Jones and Tiffany/Tifamade for hosting the quintessential Paris picnic!

What Paris picnic spots have been the most memorable for you?

For a look at the picnic menu, click here.
Location: Below the Jardins du Trocadéro, down the steps, right next to a house boat.

{Photos: Winston Alford-Hamburg}