Once the holiday decorations are put away and the gray of winter lingers outside, often our inside spaces look bare and lonely. Think about putting together a “nature table” which can incorporate special elements from the outside. Waldorf schools often put together nature tables to inspire children. My children have had the privilege of having a Waldorf teacher in the past and I have been inspired by her to do the same. The nature table can be as simple as your creative side is or you can go out on a ledge and try new and exciting elements. Here are some ideas:

• Choose a small table or corner of a larger table to set up your nature area.
• Cover the table or area with a cloth or silk that might reflect the time of year (i.e.: white for winter or snow, green for spring or summer, tan for fall or winter, etc).
• Go on a walk with your children in the woods or on a nature trail and collect interesting findings. Pinecones, pebbles, bark, small branches, nuts, and acorns are just some ideas.
• Perhaps you would like to put a spring bulb in a glass jar to try to force it? Early signs of spring can be exciting for little ones.
• Little wooden or felted figures can become people in the nature scene.
• Have children sculpt and mold with beeswax. They may create little elements that go along lovely with your scene.
• Adorn the scene with beeswax candles. Remember, always be aware of candles that are lit and keep them away from very young children.
• A small mirror can be used as a pretend ice skating rink.
• Once all materials are collected, if you have children allow them to help you create the scene on the nature table.
• Families often change their nature table with the seasons, but depending on your creative style, you may wish to change it more often that that.
• Ideas for other seasons include: changing the silk or cloth that covers the table, adding flowers, sand, pebbles, water, autumn leaves, etc.

Nature tables are a fun, eco-friendly, and economical activity. These lovely nature tables can become a fantastic decorative aspect of your home. And, they can become a wonderful activity for you and your family. Creating a nature table can become a ritual in your home that everyone looks forward to creating. Also, they can become a quiet, reflective, and sacred space.