Bringing the Outside In

Nature is a constant source of inspiration to me. Taking a moment of your day to be present with nature is definitely soothing to the soul. I am often seen in the neighbourhood with a basket in hand, collecting nature’s bounties and bringing it home to enjoy and admire with my family. Tablescapes at home are often shaped by what nature has to offer. I find my creativity to be ignited by a particular shade of green in a leaf, to the fragrant smell of a flower that has carpeted a nearby field, to the smooth texture of a rock that has been washed ashore from the ocean, to the tangy taste of a berry growing in the hedgerow, to the sound of branches rubbing against each other during a stormy day.

Wattle season is a particular favourite of mine, and has inspired many a tablescape over the past few years. The bright yellow hue of these vibrant blooms brightens any space and is definitely a mood lifter. There are more than a thousand varieties of wattle in Australia and it is interesting to note the variation in the shades of yellow and shapes of leaves from one variety to the next.

Spring is often symbolised by the carpet of muscari or grape hyacinths that cover the fields in Canberra. These purple beauties have excellent vase life and add beauty to any table that they adorn.

Picking blackberries from hedgerows is a fun activity that I enjoy with the kids. Most of the time they end up in our mouths before we take them home. It is always a good idea to have something edible as part of a tablescape so that people can snack in between courses.

These beautiful red berries line the streets in my neighbourhood. I often include them in wreaths for some additional cheer!

My mother and I plant over a hundred tulip bulbs in Autumn. I love watching these bulbs grow and yield a rainbow of colours during Spring. They are perfect to bring indoors and to add colour to any tablescape.

I love the majestic trees that cast shade and beauty to all around us. The branches are the perfect centrepiece to add some drama to a tablescape. I love hanging ornaments or objects from the branches to give another layer and interest to a tablescape.

Various types of mushrooms pop up during autumn. They are perfect for an autumn tablescape. I often include pinecones, autumn leaves and berries to give a taste of autumn to the guests who come to grace my table.

I hope that these tablescapes encourage you to bring the outdoors in and enjoy the beauty of nature.