Kassina Folstad craves time outside. So when she and her family had to remove a huge pine tree from their St. Paul lawn three years ago and were left with an empty, barren space, she knew just what to do: create an outdoor living and dining area that would provide both privacy and room for everyone to hang out.
“All of a sudden we had this massive open area,” she says. “And our house is on the bluff, and without any shade, we felt like everybody could see everything about our house.”
Luckily, Folstad is no stranger to projects like these: As the owner and principal of architectural and interior design company Hello Norden, designing functional yet well-crafted spaces is in her blood. The first step? Building a fence and expanding their pergola to bring back that much-needed shade and privacy. The second? Filling the outdoor room with handcrafted furniture and goods, a wood-burning fireplace, and clever accessories built for lengthening the outdoor season so Folstad’s family and friends can dine and play alfresco from spring well into the fall.
The final step was grabbing her friend, Twin Cities cookbook author Emily Maxson, to plan a cozy-chic dinner party celebrating delicious food, local style, and deep friendships. Take a look inside—and out.
A Menu to Savor the Season
Roasted Butternut Squash with Sage-Infused Coconut Cream Soup: Emily notes that this recipe is easy to make ahead of time for a group—just heat it on the stove before serving—and since it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, it accommodates most dietary restrictions.
Apple, Cheddar, and Smoked Almond Salad: “When apples are in season in the fall, I love adding them to salads,” Emily says. The crunch of the fruit and nuts pairs well with the pureed soup, bringing texture and bite with the Dijon vinaigrette.
Pumpkin Chai Latte: “I wanted to create something I could enjoy and not feel like I was missing out at coffee shops,” Emily says of the drink, which is low in sugar and lacks artificial flavors. Serve it as a cozy welcome drink or in place of a heavier dessert.
