At My Table: Nature-Inspired Dining with Kara Rosenlund

We would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands where this story was captured, the Quandamooka Peoples, and recognise their continuing connection to land, sea and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

It’s clear that Kara Rosenlund has always harboured a deep appreciation for nature.

A travel and lifestyle photographer, Kara regularly captures the beauty of Australian landscapes and coastlines, with her work featuring across National Geographic, various Condé Nast publications and two of her own books.

Her beachside weekender at North Stradbroke Island, or Minjerribah, is a place where Kara feels most at home—a place to slow down, reconnect and appreciate the beauty of the bush.

Here, Kara brings her love of the outdoors to her table, and shares a few lessons on nature-inspired dining.

Photography and styling by Kara Rosenlund, portraits of Kara Rosenlund by Clare Lancaster, styling and photography assistant Mollie Buckley.

Hi Kara, can you tell us a little bit about your weekender at North Stradbroke Island?

“After completing my first coffee table book, 'Shelter', where I travelled around Australia seeking out authentic and original shacks, I decided I really wanted a shack of my own too. So I went on the hunt to find something special. I thought it would be in Tasmania or Victoria, but instead I came across this 1970s timber A-frame with shiplap walls, which is positioned where the bush meets the beach on Minjerribah. It feels very Australian here. Lots of natural light pours in through the windows and you can hear the ocean. A family of kangaroos visit each afternoon to eat the grass roots and there is even a resident goanna.”

What do you love most about the area?

“There is something very special about travelling over water, and come Friday afternoon, escaping over here is always something to look forward to. It’s hypnotising. To have all the worries of the week wash away as you are on the ferry, watching the sun set on another week is pretty amazing. I have always been a bit of a recluse, so coming over here feels really private, a special little island haven. I also love how active the voice of the Traditional Owners is here on the island. The Quandamooka Peoples do a lot on the island for land care with traditional back burns and caring for the beach, education for tourists and especially the arts. It’s such a vibrant community.”

How do you draw inspiration from your surroundings in your styling?

“A theme I’m really attracted to is incorporating the story of your local area to the table. Going on a walk and collecting flowers and foliage from your local area and celebrating the colours of your own landscape, whether you are in the city or by the beach, is such a positive table conversation. By being aware of your local colours, it makes for a more sentimental tablescape, plus it's another way of being open to learning more about the Traditional Owners of your area and discussing this at the table.”

“Change the scenery to change the mood. If you are lucky enough to have an outdoor space make the most of it by bringing it to life with an outdoor table and some chairs. It sounds so simple, and that's because it is. Dining in the fresh air is such a positive and uplifting experience, plus when things are a bit unexpected it makes for better memory making opportunities.”

“I love my place settings to be layered and abundant and generous. Always a tablecloth, followed by a charger or placemat, then layers of plates on the table to add dimension and visual delight. By having all the beautiful pieces out on display for your guests, they feel special and are anticipating what might come next. Plus, this elegant yet casual style of dining encourages the food to come to the table and be passed around and shared.”

“Bring your table to life with nature by collecting local flowers and foliage from your area. Nothing beats the colour of green on the table, it really is the colour of life and it’s the easiest tip to achieve. I love using a beautiful glass vase for the centre of the table and then grabbing a few sprigs for individual place settings. It’s a little surprise for your guests when they sit down, which may encourage conversation about your local area.”

“Have fun with a napkin. I always think of napkins as the accessory to the table. You can make them loud and colourful and break the rules. I love to do a simple knot in mine. It adds dimensions and texture, plus even better—you don't have to iron them.”