Create A Waldorf Nature Table for Summer
- Tricia Kambourian
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 7
Waldorf education puts a deep emphasis on connection with nature. Special attention is paid to the rhythms of the natural world - the patterns of blooms and rests, the rhythm of the seasons, and our deep, integral connection and kinship to all that lives around us. One way to bring this idea into the physical realm and your home - creating a nature table.
What is a nature table?
A nature table is a dedicated area in your home to display nature finds and treasures, books, toys, and other decorations that connect to the season. The decorations are changed as the seasons change, providing children with a sense of security and predictably. Bringing nature inside fosters our connection with the external world and gently reminds us we are not separate from nature, but deeply intwined within it.
How to start?
First thing to do is choose your location. Choose somewhere that is well traveled and easy to come together around. The options for placement are endless - a table, shelf, window sill, or a moveable tray for those in smaller living quarters. Whatever works best in your home is perfect.
Time to decorate
Once location is decided, the real fun begins! Choose a play silk or piece of cloth in a seasonal color (for us currently, this is summer.) You can lay it across the space like a tablecloth or hang and drape it to become a backdrop.
Next is to collect the decorations. Bring a basket along the next time you spend time outside or go for a nature walk. Use it to collect all the treasures children love to gift us and encourage them to find things that remind them of the season. Things like pinecones, acorns, hickory nuts, shells and sticks are excellent because they will last indoors for years, which minimizes how much we take from the natural world. Leaves, branches, flowers and moss add wonderful touches as well. Just be sure to remind children of the importance of leaving what’s needed for animals and plants to thrive.
The rest of the decorations can be anything you have or make that honors the season. Seasonal books, educational books about nature, and field guides are all excellent choices that can be read and used throughout the season.
Toys like Grimm’s, Grapat, and Ostheimer all fit in beautifully on the nature table. From trees, landscapes, animals, and other nature inspired toys and loose parts, you can use anything that reminds your family of the world outside. Grapat and Ostheimer recently came together to make four seasonal sets that are not only perfect for imaginative play, but also look magical on the nature table.
Handmade pieces also suit a nature table beautifully. Craft something up yourself or use your childrens’ handwork or seasonal arts and crafts. Wool fairies, needle felted art, paintings, weavings, just about anything inspired by nature adds a personal touch.
Then add all those beautiful treasures straight from nature. Summer is wonderful because there is so much to choose from. Ferns, flowers, moss, stones, shells, and don’t forget crystals! When children are old enough, give them the reigns to decorate the table. They delight in finding just the right spot for nature treasures they found themselves.
A nature table is a staple in Waldorf classrooms for good reason. Bringing one into your home is a sure fire way to bring extra joy to everyday life, and to strengthen you and your children’s connection to the natural world. There is no right or wrong way to set one up. As long as it brings you and your family closer with the earth, it is achieving its intended purpose.
Coming together around the nature table is a treasured time in our home, along with redecorating it when the seasons change. We add different things we’ve found on our adventures outside all throughout the season. We hope this guide helps you to start or expand your own seasonal display in your home, too. Find more inspiration on our Instagram or in the shop.
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