What is a epergne?
An epergne is an elaborate dining table centerpiece, usually made of silver, featuring a central bowl from which several smaller bowls branch off. The central bowl can be used to hold fruit, flowers, or candlesticks depending on the bowl’s shape and size. Many epergnes feature narrow flutes rather than bowls, giving the entire piece the look of a stylized lily bouquet. It’s also common to find epergnes designed to mimic pagodas, trees, or carousels. While epergnes are usually made of silver, they can also be made of glass, porcelain, or metals other than silver. Silver is generally preferred; however, because of its malleability, which allows for the most elaborate epergne designs. Epergnes are generally used for decoration, but some can be refashioned as serveware pieces. They can work especially well for elevated appetizers such as caviar, with the central bowl being used for baguette slices or crackers, and the smaller bowls toting caviar, creme fraiche, or other edible accompaniments.
