kids encyclopedia robot

Centrepiece facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Augsburger Tafelservice der Fürstbischöfe von Hildesheim BNM 02
A fancy silver centrepiece from 1763, used by a Prince-Bishop in Germany.
Hôtel de Charost JP2010, Dorure salle à manger
A surtout de table centrepiece in a dining room in Paris.

A centrepiece (or centerpiece) is a main decoration placed in the middle of something, usually a table. Think of it as the star of the show for your table setting! Centrepieces help make a room look special and fit a certain theme. They can also be any important item in a group of things.

For very formal dinners, people used to have special centrepieces. Two old types are the epergne and the surtout de table. An epergne has several arms that branch out, holding small bowls. A surtout de table is a long tray, often shiny like a mirror, where people would place candles, small statues, and other decorations.

Why Do We Use Centrepieces?

On a table, a centrepiece is mainly there to look nice. It adds beauty and style to any meal or gathering. However, centrepieces are usually not too big. This is important so everyone at the table can easily see each other and talk. It also makes it easier to serve food without bumping into the decoration.

Many centrepieces are made from natural things. You might see beautiful flowers, glowing candles, fresh fruit, or even yummy candy arranged as a centrepiece.

Centrepieces for Special Occasions

Centrepieces are a huge part of decorating for big events. They are very popular at wedding receptions, where flowers are often the top choice. But it's not just weddings! You'll often find some kind of centrepiece at:

  • Baby showers
  • Engagement parties
  • Anniversary parties
  • Birthday celebrations

In Europe, especially at very formal events, centrepieces can be super fancy. Sometimes, they are so long they stretch across the entire table!

During holiday times, many homes get decorated with special centrepieces. For example, you might see them for:

These holiday centrepieces help make the home feel festive and ready for the celebration.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Centro de mesa para niños

kids search engine
Centrepiece Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.