The first issue of Kinfolk includes essays and photographs encouraging a more natural approach to entertaining with friends and family. Features are categorized by the size and type of small gathering: entertaining for one, entertaining for two or entertaining for a few.

The issue is a collaborative project that involved more than 40 artists who all explored the idea of small-scale entertaining. Every element reflects the way we feel entertaining should be: simple, creative and uncontrived. The issue offers practical ideas (such as Entertaining Paper, Organic Table Settings, Cloth Napkins and A Menu for Two), reflective essays (such as Wilderness Escape and Spice Warehouse) and many beautiful photo essays (such as Cabin with Friends and Alone Time). It also offers tips and suggestions from experts such as florist Sarah Winward and event planner Jenny Steffens Hobick, as well as recipes for Overnight Tomatoes, Cocoa Nib Shortbread Rounds, Best Berry Salad and A Darn Good Sandwich—all that and a Summer Playlist.