Credits: 1.. Nature Table April, 2. Klondike Snow Family 005, 3. fall persimmon picker wa;; hanging 001, 4. IMG_6583, 5. Gnome Lakefront Estate, 6. nature table, 7. IMG_7542, 8. Acorn Family Pics – Finger Puppets/Nature Table – Handspun Naturally Dyed Yarn, 9.Jahreszeitentisch im August

While I am not “schooling” my children per se (yet), I am leading them through their early childhood with the guidance of Waldorf pedagogy. I don’t really talk much about it here, although I am more than happy to answer questions about why I’ve chosen Waldorf, or what Waldorf education is about.

(full disclosure: I have a degree in Early Childhood Education, spent several years as a preschool teacher, and have been trained as Montessori Primary Guide- and in the end, chose Waldorf)

One of the cornerstones, I believe, of the Waldorf home, especially when you have quite little ones in your house, is the nature table. 

The nature table (or seasonal corner) can be as simple as a bowl of acorns in the fall, or as elaborate as an entire needlefelted tablescape complete with figurines of Mother Earth or King Winter, but at its heart, to me, it is a place where we recognize the changing of the seasons with reverence and beauty. You don’t need to have children in your home to enjoy a seasonal tableau- even a vase of sunflowers on the dining room table is a seasonal corner of sorts.

I remember once having someone over to my house who had no knowledge of the “nature table” as a concept, and she immediately said, “Oh, I love that little spot over there- it’s like an altar to Spring.” That’s just the feeling I like to create.

Often, in our house, the fairies bring little gifts or change things around in the night on the nature table- it’s part of the magic of it all. But sometimes, the fairies need a little (ahem) help. Or maybe just a little inspiration.

That’s how the Seasons Round Exchange was born.

Four times a year, I’ll be hostessing an exchange of items for our nature tables. My sincere hope is that you can all join in the fun and add a little bit of seasonal beauty to your homes. 

Please go see the Seasons Round Exchange blog for more information. Signups begin on July 1! 

Later this week, another housewifery post- and of course, join me on Sunday for Quotable Sundays.