Table centrepiece

A table centrepiece, in its historic sense, is a monumental ornamental piece placed at the centre of a ceremonial table, often gathering bowls, candelabra, planters and figurines on a single elongated base. Born at the princely tables of the eighteenth century, it could be silver, gilt bronze or porcelain and structured the staging of the meal. In today's luxury hospitality it survives in lighter forms, a floral composition or a piece of silverwork set at the heart of the setting.