It’s been said that friends are the family you get to choose. And, what better time of year to laugh a little harder, cry a little less and enjoy life a little more with people we love to spend time with than the spring.

Let’s turn off brazen news feeds once again, displace the invasion of pervasive negativity that comes from afar, and focus on life’s simple, heartwarming pleasures.

Fresh and free
From snow and sleet to tulips and sunshine. ‘Tis the season to re-connect with the great outdoors. Surround yourself with freshness. Throw open windows, toss off those winter eiderdowns, spruce up with bright and cheerful throw cushions and carpets and get energized.

Why not try some new ideas to make those cherished evening and weekend get-togethers with family and friends better than ever before? After all, it’s Canada’s 150th birthday and we’ve got a lot to celebrate.

Take Sebastien Centner’s lead for the ultimate summer dinner party complete with his own dose of passion. Whether you are brave enough to host something as special as a wedding reception dinner or you’d like to redefine Saturday night dining for that special someone, Sebastien’s here to ban what’s mundane and share some simple flavourful dishes that are sure to inspire you.

Best kept secrets
Turn to page 31 and king of the grill, Doug Eglington will tell you where he gets his meat. Hint: It’s one of Oakville’s best-kept secrets that Homefront readers now have the scoop on. And, as always, in her Bella Cucina column, Sigrid McCandless, is all set for better weather. With her five tips and her fabulous collection of “must haves,” she’s all about helping us get it together in the kitchen. Design, renovations, new appliances, finishing touches … it’s all in the cards when it comes to getting ready to bring friends together this summer.

Marcel at his finest
Yes, not to be overlooked, there’s our fabulous design interview with Shelley Black. With her help, we’re reminded Marcel Wanders is also all about defying the status quo. From his knotted chair in 1996 to his design label Moooi and his worldwide collaborations with a plethora of respected brands, he excites and moves people from around the globe. Our most recent favourite is his inflatable egg-shaped objects at the OPAM museum in Japan. Dramatic, thought-provoking and stunningly beautiful, they highlight Marcel at his finest, from top to bottom.

So read on … and we hope you’ll agree there are lots of positive, beautiful ideas for you to happily browse through in this issue as we celebrate the finer things and the finer moments in life. Enjoy.

Caroline Tapp-McDougall,
Editor-in-Chief
caroline@bcsgroup.com
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