A text by Marie (GRIMM'S)
The more often we've orbited the sun, the more we—in European latitudes—are accustomed to the changing seasons. Children are much more likely to see the wonder of the world changing its entire guise every few months, as if by magic. Together with children, we can always catch a glimpse back and observe the world through their eyes, marveling.
A seasonal table is a wonderful way to bring a bit of nature into your home and, at the same time, consciously perceive and celebrate nature's cycles. We'd like to show you how you can easily do this here.
First of all: There's no right or wrong when it comes to the seasonal table, nor are there any instructions, but there's plenty of inspiration. This way, you can create a special little space in your home that you can cherish and care for together, and continually redesign. It's minimal effort, but a lot of fun. And all in just three easy steps.
Step 1:
The best place to start is to find a small space in your home. This doesn't have to be a table, as the name suggests, but you decide how this space works for you and your group and how it's easily accessible for everyone. Here are a few examples that work wonderfully:
side table
- Small chest of drawers
- windowsill
- Bedside table
- Low shelf
- Dollhouse
- Board on the floor
- Shoebox
- GRIMM's Seasons Stand
Step 2:
Once you've decided on a location, you can gather materials. This is also entirely up to you. To help you get started, here's a list of things you can place on your seasonal table as permanent staples:
- colored scarves (at least one for each season)
- a small vase
- Candle holder & candle (real or electric)
- small bowls and baskets
- Stones and gemstones
- a thicker branch/root
- small wooden figures or dolls
- Marbles, beads
Step 3:
This gives you the basic framework for your seasonal table. Now you can think about what you find appropriate for each season. Children often have very beautiful and creative ideas. Plus, you finally have a place to collect all the treasures that children find and take home on their way home.
Colors are a good starting point for designing the four seasons. For spring, for example, delicate pastel shades of soft light green, pink, and white, like the blossoming trees, are perfect for the freshness of the seasons. Rich yellows and blues are perfect for the brightness of summer. Autumn turns the leaves red and orange, bringing a warm, cozy atmosphere into homes. And for winter, with its snow and frost, cooler colors like blue and white are perfect. With the appropriate cloths in the background or as a base, your seasonal table will already take on a certain direction.
Depending on the season, fresh branches or flowers can be placed in the vase.
Candlelight brings comfort in every season. For younger children or seasonal tables in the nursery, electric candles are a better option for safety reasons.
The small bowls can be filled with treasures from nature. You don't have to think about it too much. Just go outside, and you're sure to come back with your hands and pockets full. This way, you'll definitely be able to easily persuade your children to go for a walk. Examples include:
- Stones
- pieces of moss
- Branches and bushes
- Flowers
- leaves
- Chestnuts, acorns, beechnuts…
- Gras
- empty snail shells
- cones
- tree bark
- Feathers
- Sand
To bring your special little place to life, it's strictly permitted to play with it. Small wooden figures or stuffed dolls are ideal for this. In children's minds, the most wonderful celebrations and adventures are sure to take place there.
If you enjoy crafting, you can let your imagination run wild and make and add anything you like. For example, crochet little coats for the wooden figures, felt animals, or create a garland.
And every few months, as nature changes its appearance, you can come up with something new together and freshen up the table a bit. This way, you have a small, recurring project together that showcases the different characteristics of the seasons. A great ritual for the whole family!
If the four seasons aren't enough for you, you can of course also use each new month or all the festivals and special occasions to redesign your seasonal table. Your ideas are endless.
It's also a great opportunity to organize things a bit with the kids before redesigning and to make room for new ideas.
Give it a try! We'd love to see pictures of your very own seasonal table!
