Epergne

An epergne (/ɪˈpɜːrn, 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 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.

Name[edit]

The derivation is probably from the 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 épergne in French can also mean "spare", another way of saying "to save", or a spare, meaning "reserve or extra".

Usage[edit]

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. In traditional use, an epergne is a fancy way to display side dishes, fruit, or sweetmeats; it can be used for chips, dips, or other finger foods.

References[edit]

^ Bryson, Bill (2010). At Home: A Short History of Private Life. London: Doubleday. p. 163. ISBN 978-0-7679-1938-8.

External links[edit]

Media related to Epergnes at Wikimedia Commons

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[athome-1] Bryson, Bill (2010). At Home: A Short History of Private Life. London: Doubleday. p. 163. ISBN 978-0-7679-1938-8.

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