Nature tables or seasonal tables are a lovely addition to the home and classroom.
They are a place to celebrate the changing seasons, the natural cycle of the year. Our observation of what goes on in nature is sharpened when we walk outside, look carefully and take small pieces of special things back indoors with us. Our walks can become spiritual experiences.
Children love to collect beautiful natural objects and are often proud to see them displayed in a special place in the home. Let them play with there but also hold the space as sacred and special. You will foster an inner connection with nature.
How to:
1. Start with a small table, top of a bookshelf, piano, or other area in a commonly used room.
2. Vary the height of the surface-use blocks or a box. This adds levels and interest.
3. Drape the surface with cloth- silk, cotton or wool to match the colors outside of the mood of the current season. Use 1-2 colors.
4. Hang (with push pins or use a piece of cardboard or book to drape over) a color for the sky as background. You could also suspend a tree branch with string from the ceiling or anchor it in a vase.
5. Add a vase for flowers, grasses, wild things and a candle.
6. Stones and small logs of wood are nice to add next.
7. Take a walk and see what you find! Add things that are special-acorns, shells, a bird's nest, feathers, sticks, fall leaves....
8. Special toys and figures can be put there too.
9. For special celebrations you may have a themed table: Easter, Advent, Michaelmas, Birthdays, Valentines Day.
Color Ideas per season:
Spring: Yellow, Pink, Lime Green, Sky Blue
Summer: Green, Rose, Royal
Fall: Orange, Gold, Brown
Winter: White, Royal, Red
I'd love to see what you make!
These wonderful tableaux were made by Stefania @la_waziya
Ideas from the book The Nature Corner by Leeuwen and Moeslops
Love this idea! Thanks for the inspiration!
Valerie Symonds on
This is a fabulous idea ♡ We had a little Nature Corner with the treasures my children found in the woods before our recent move. This is a whole new level to help us deepen our connection to the seasons. I’d love to help my children set up a whole new shelf space like this, especially during this unsettling time of moving to a new city— Be intentional with the natural items to place, and honor my children’s innate reverence for Mother Nature. Most importantly, help to preserve their sense of wonder in changing seasons ♡
Julia Shuen on
This is lovely! I’m feeling inspired. Thanks for the step-by-step guide to make it happen!
Cassie on
I love putting together our nature table scenes but this blog post reminds me to keep it simple! Thank you! Sometimes I over think it. ;)
Rachel on
I love putting together our nature table scenes but this blog post reminds me to keep it simple! Thank you! Sometimes I over think it. ;)
Rachel on
I LOVE this simple, beautiful idea. I know children take delight in finding these things and how wonderful to have a beautiful display. Also, thank you for the giveaway. I’ve wanted some scarves so bad, but we just can’t afford them right now.
April on
Love this idea! My daughter is always collecting things from outside and I’m sure she would be so proud to see them displayed in our home.
Mallory on
The silks add a fun element to the nature table. I love it!
Stacie on
Really fun. This would be a big improvement on the random findings of rocks n things throughout the house. Do you do the decorating or let the children?
Julia on
Oo, we’ve been collecting nature items, but this is a way better way to display them!
Ginia Black on
These are so beautiful!! What a great use for play silks! And I love your nature tables! So lovely!! 😍
Alex Goode on
Our nature table sits in front of the window so the sky is the sky :) We love the couple of silks we own. They are used constantly.
Lalania OConnor on