A centrepiece or centerpiece is an important item of a display, usually of a table setting . Centrepieces help set the theme of the decorations and bring extra decorations to the room. A centrepiece also refers to any central or important object in a collection of items.
5-499: Traditional types for the very formal dining table include the epergne , with branching arms ending in bowls, and the surtout de table , in English reserved for a long tray, often with mirrors as the surface, on which candles, sculptures and other objects are placed. On the table, a centrepiece is a central object which serves a decorative purpose. However, centrepieces are often not too large, to avoid difficulty with visibility around
10-456: A large central "bowl" or basket sitting on three to five feet. From this center "bowl" radiate branches supporting small baskets, dishes, or candleholders . There may be between two and seven branches. Epergnes were traditionally made from silver, however from around the start of the 20th century, glass was also employed. The derivation is probably from the French épargne meaning "saving,"
15-430: The entire length of the table. At holiday times, including Valentine's Day , Easter , Halloween , Thanksgiving , and Christmas , homes are often decorated with holiday centrepieces. Epergne An epergne ( / ɪ ˈ p ɜːr n , eɪ -/ ih- PURN , ay- ) is a type of table centerpiece that is usually made of silver but may be made of any metal or glass or porcelain. An epergne generally has
20-464: The idea being that dinner guests were saved the trouble of passing dishes (although an epergne in French is called a surtout ). In addition the word épergne in French can also mean "spare", another way of saying "to save", or a spare, meaning "reserve or extra". An epergne may be used to hold any type of food or dessert. It may also be used as a designer object to hold candles, flowers or ornaments for
25-569: The table and to allow for the easier serving of dishes. Other centrepieces are often made from flowers, candles, fruit, or candy. Centrepieces are a major part of the decoration for a wedding reception , being used widely at wedding receptions with flowers being the most popular form of centrepieces. Weddings, baby showers, engagement parties, anniversary parties and birthdays often have some form of centrepiece. Formal functions in Europe can sometimes have very elaborate centrepieces, which can span
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