Epergne

{{short description|Decorative centerpiece}} thumb|right|Silver epergne, London, 1761 [[File:Stannard, Eloise Harriet - A Still Life of Flowers in a Glass Epergne ... - 1889.jpg|thumb|right|''Flowers in a Glass Epergne'' by Eloise Harriet Stannard, 1889]]

An '''epergne''' ({{IPAc-en|ɪ|ˈ|p|ɜːr|n|,_|eɪ|-}} {{respell|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.<ref name="athome">{{cite book |last=Bryson |first=Bill |authorlink=Bill Bryson |title=At Home: A Short History of Private Life |year=2010 |publisher=Doubleday |location=London |isbn=978-0-7679-1938-8 |page=[https://archive.org/details/athomeshorthisto00brys/page/163 163] }}</ref> 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== 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== 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== {{reflist}}

== External links == * {{commonscatinline|Epergnes}}

Category:Serving and dining Category:Tableware