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Epergne (\i-ˈpərn, ā-\) is a type of table centerpiece, usually made of silver, but may be made of any metal or glass or porcelain.
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 candle holders. An epergne was traditional made from silver, however around the turn of the century it was also made from glass.
There may be between two to seven branches to an epergne.
Use
The epergne is a large table centerpiece consisting of a frame with extended arms or branches, which may hold any type of food or desert. An epergne may also be used as a designer object to hold candles, flowers or ornaments for a holiday etc.
In traditional use, the epergne was a fancy way to display side dishes, fruit, or sweetmeats, or can be used for chips, dips, or other finger foods etc.
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.
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