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
I found the most perfect table at a thrift store to do this… I am so grateful to have come across this post.
Amanda on
We used to have one my daughter loved to put treasures on, but have fallen out of the habit. Thank you for
the inspiration to bring this wonder back into our lives
Donna G. on
Sauce a beautiful way to bring the outside in! 💖💖
Sara S. on
This is lovely. I love the different heights and textures as they’re very appealing to the eye. The hanging branch is my favorite piece! Thank you for these wonderful ideas.
Diana on
Our family is transitioning to include more awareness of the cycle of the year and we did do a nature table for spring this year but did little to change it over for summer. :( My youngest has big plans for Fall and I am excited to see what she puts together. Baby steps, right? :) Your post was full of delightful inspiration! The way you incorporated the branches was delightful! Thank you
Tara Carter on
Really creative use of branches. I like how you tied the silk to the branch! :)
Darla on
Looking forward to celebrating all seasons in our new home state of Connecticut. Our children love to collect nature treasures & show them off to friends & family. Our new nature table will be a wonderful addition to our new home. Looking forward to building a new tradition!
Lindsay Gilmore on
What gorgeous displays! Our nature table is so plain compared to these lovely creations. We would love to win some silks to jazz up our space!
Megan Lane on
This is my first year homeschooling and I’d love to start a nature table. Thanks for the inspiration. I’d love to win some scarves! 💕
Megan Schellman on
Love this and am planning to make one in our new home! We find many treasures and would love to have them on display in such a lovely fashion.
Samantha Shapiro on
Beautiful! We used to have nature tables, but after we moved last fall i’ve Yet to get into the groove of it again. I’ll have to start again soon. <3
Mercy Fritz on
Ok I absolutely LOVE this idea!! Not only is it an adorable visual way to learn about the seasons but also encourages kids to get out in nature & participate in the seasons
Taylor Scutaru on