Epergne
Epergne (/ɨˈpɜrn, eɪˈpɛərn/) is a type of table centerpiece, usually made of silver, but may be made of any metal or glass or porcelain.
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[edit] Design
An epergne generally has a large central "bowl" or basket sitting on three to five feet. From this center "bowl" radiate branches supporting small baskets, dishes, or candleholders.[1] 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.
[edit] Use
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 a holiday etc.
In traditional use, an epergne is a fancy way to display side dishes, fruit, or sweetmeats, or can be used for chips, dips, or other finger foods etc.
[edit] Name
Probably from French épargne meaning "saving", 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 epergne in French can also mean spare, another way of saying to save, or a spare meaning reserve or extra.
[edit] References
- ^ Bryson, Bill (2010). At Home: A Short History of Private Life. Great Britain: Doubleday. pp. 163. ISBN 978-0-7679-1938-8.
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