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The Table Centerpiece: Is It Art, Fashion or a Decorative Element?

Do you think this Antebellum Double Pedestal Table has an eye-catching centepiece? 

What do you think makes the dining tables on formal gatherings and events interesting? Is it the placement of the dinnerware or the lavishness of the tablecloth? Or is it the arrangement of the food on the table? If you looked close enough, you know that it’s the table centerpiece that actually made a huge difference. Even the most scrumptious meals won’t look appetizing if the centerpiece is a total blah.

Here’s what we mean –

The centerpiece is either a collection of flowers, food, candles and even simple votives. Yet these are a lot more than pieces organized at the center of the table. The centerpiece is also subjected to the laws of art and fashion. So, you would also need to consider factors such as color combination, balance, texture, etc.

A Little History

But when did table centerpieces actually begin? It was the Romans who first thought of adding decorative foliage onto their tables. Other probable centerpieces that were originally used on Roman dining tables are ceramics, vases and patterned dishes.

In the Middle Ages, there were simply too much food on the table to even accommodate a simple centerpiece. Centerpieces weren’t huge then but it was during Christmastime that they became the stars of the dining experience.

A common Christmas dinner centerpiece was made of marzipan and pastries. There were even decorative pieces that looked like animals, people or even sceneries.

By the 18th century, servants were already handing the dishes to their hostess. This meant the room had a more expansive space for table décor. Mirrors were even set up to reflect the beauty of the centerpieces.

By this time, centerpieces were triangular mounds of food that were arranged in tiers or epergnes. There were also molded jellies and pudding.

The 19th century continued the need for foliage and flower arrangements while the candelabra became an exciting addition.

The 20th century welcomed the addition of WWI decorative objects. Most of these replaced foliage and flowers during that time. Harp and green stuff were used during St. Patrick’s Day or miniature windmills were used for Dutch themes.

1960s till the 1970s were the era for flowers and greeneries.

The Uttermost Accessories Southern Magnolia Silk Centerpiece 60129 is as classic as it centerpieces could go.

Centerpiece Ideas

So, now that you know how beautiful your dining experience could get with the right centerpiece, here are some ideas that you can mull over –

  • Use the biggest blossoms of roses, hydrangeas, or peonies. Display them on your sour tureen or a small glass bowl.
  • Floating fruits in clear glass vases are also unique centerpieces. Just fill up each vase with water to different levels.
  • How about organizing the most colorful and huge lollipops as centerpieces? These bouquets would surely please both young and old guests.
  • Find jewel-toned fruits then pair them with a gleaming white bowl. This is as easy as a centerpiece could get.
  • Next, look for a glass vase with a large base. Fill it up with silver or gold Hershey’s Kisses® and you’re good to go.
  • You can also use citrus fruits such as lemons to make an interesting centerpiece. Again, you can bring out that crystal or glass vase or bowl and show off the fresh fruits in their most colorful state.
  • Now whoever said that cocktails are just to be handed out? An interesting array of colored juices or soda can also make a fun centerpiece. Place the bottles on a silver or glass platter for a laidback and casual dinner.
  • If you want to top ‘em all, then use flowers and fruits together. Assemble the fruits inside a huge glass bowl then add a bouquet of colorful lilies on top. What could better turn the eye than this dramatic centerpiece?

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This entry was posted on Friday, June 16th, 2017 at 10:00 am and is filed under Accents, Accessories, Color Schemes, Dining Room Design, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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