Winter Nature Table

As I mentioned before, our temporary nature table was on top of the little one's play kitchen. It was kind of in that "end of fall, not quite winter" mode. After being buried by 11 inches of snow (yes, eleven) I decided it was time for the real winter table to begin.

We've been moving furniture around, trying tables in different spots, and switching rugs from room to room. This area behind the couch was previously taken up by the harpsichord Stephen built. It has since been moved to another room and all of a sudden the back of the couch looked rather bare.

An antique table belonging to Stephen's great aunt took the harpsichord's place, and on it went our wintry things: acorns, pine cones, favorite bowls, a bare tree branch, pine needles, felted gnomes, a white silk to represent the snow, and little wooden pine trees.

Okay, I will admit the arranging was more for mama's enjoyment, but the little one just loves to come over and peek at everything. Sometimes she takes off with a gnome, but always puts it back a bit later. The bowls were thrifted finds and in them contain winter's treasures.

I really adore seeing how other people put together their nature tables. If you've posted about one on your own blog, leave a comment because I'd love to check it out!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Comments

[Stacey]

I wish A would put things back, our nature table is a nature bowl in the middle of the table where it's safe from little hands.

[Eren]

Love your nature table...so perfect! We are rearranging ours here as well to reflect the change in seasons. Although we dont have 11 inches of snow.

[Amy]

Your blog is becoming a fast favorite of mine - just found it in the last week or so.
The nature table is great, I'd never heard of such a thing, though I recall my Mom doing something similar.

[Bluebirdbaby]

Thanks everyone!

Amy-Natural tables are often part of the Waldorf schooling. I personally connect with nature and Mother Earth very deeply, so a nature table somehow seems to center me while I'm inside. In this case, our winter nature table is also serving as our "holiday decorations" until we discover what traditions suit our family as we grow :)

[kate]

I don't have a nature table, but I love the idea and when we have a slightly larger house than our current apartment we will do it. I really do love the idea, yours looks lovely for winter!

[qalballah]

There are some posted here:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/waldorfinspiredhomeschooling/

if you want to add yours too?

[Dawn]

I have been thinking about making a nature table for a while now. After seeing yours, I really want one- it's beautiful! I might have to wait until after Christmas though because my kids are getting play silks, acorn people, and wooden animals for Christmas- all things I plan on using for the nature table- I can't wait!

[natasha S]

Lovely pics as always.do you have an indoor flash?It's at the top of my wish list:0)
Here's my nature table,taken before Oll could launch anyone:0)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7731678@N07/2089496856/in/photostream/
keep warm

[Carrie]

Ah,I can't wait to have nature tables and all the natural beauty of Waldorf play around us. I have been collecting things to have on our nature table for years,my favorites being an abandoned robin's nest and (of course abandoned!) beehive. One day!

[Nicole]

What a beautiful nature table, I love the simple white silk and the wooden trees! We have ours on an antique table my Grandfather made and it makes it even more of a meanigful place for us, as he also loved being surrounded by nature. Changing it to fit the season and adding during the season truly forms a wonderful rhythm to our days! Thanks for sharing I too love seeing what others come up with for their table.

[Ram in the Thicket]

Your display looks great, and your crowns are wonderful too!

[Dawn]

O.K. I did it! It's not quite as elegant as yours but it's a start, here's mine: http://renaissancemama.blogspot.com/2007/12/winter-creations.html

[Bluebirdbaby]

Thank you everyone!

Natasha- I don't have an indoor flash, but I use a 50mm lens which is great for low light. I've had my eyes on the SB-600 for two years now and I might actually go for it this winter :)

[Grace]

Indoor flash? Who knew?!

Lovely nature table. We haven't posted ours in soooo long. Although I feel it's missing something right now. Maybe I need to start adding silks to it.

I love the colors of the gnomes -- really suitable to any season!

xoxox

[amanda]

I love this.

[Mary Beth]

Our nature table is currently more of an advent table--I posted it fairly recently,if you'd like to click on my blog and scroll down. I'm not at all talented at creating beautiful things, but I'm so pleased with it--simple pleasures, I tell you.

And I can see that your blog is going to be a simple pleasure of mine too. Thank you!

[Amanda]

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing your nature table. :)