Get Inspired by Dining Table Centerpieces of the Past

It's the morning of the big dinner. The flatware's polished? Check. The serving ware is cleaned off and ready to go? Uh-huh. So the good china is out. The kid's table is set up and really all there is left to do is make the gravy, toss the salad and celebrate this wonderful occasion with friends, family and food. That is, if you can get a centerpiece in time.

A centerpiece can make or break a big dinner. Well, ok, not really. But they can make the difference between an elegant table that charms your guests, and simply having a pile of cut meet in the middle of your eating place. Thankfully, for those who have centerpiece block, we've (human) been doing this for a couple thousand years, and you can draw on the past if you're really stuck.

Way Back in Roman Times: This is kind of the genesis of the dining table centerpiece thing. The Romans were doing it big when all other cultures were getting trampled under their sandled feet. They kept the centerpieces classy though. Vases with flowers and seasonal foliage will accent the dishes being served.

Middle Ages Times: They didn't call them the dark ages for nothing. These kings and warlords often didn't bother with such finery as flowers or plants, they simply crammed the table with food and cast sideways glances at lady Macbeth. If you're really stuck, try arranging small food items or appetizers on an elevated tray, just like the feudal lords did!

The 18th century: If movies tell me anything, this is the high time of period fanciness. The, now super fancy tradition of servants bringing out each dish began then. As a result dining table centerpieces began to grow exponentially. The madams of the 1700s favored baroque porceline statuettes in lieu of flowers or food.

The 19th century: This is when things start to come around to the flowers and candelabras of romance revivalist Victorianism. If you like that sort of powdered wig fancy stuff, consider an array of candles or lights on your dining table centerpiece.

Modern times: Once the Industrial revolution really kicked in in the United States, people began to buy purpose made centerpieces in order to accent the theme of the meal. This pre-war fixation combines with a 60's and 70's natural aesthetic has combined to create what we now think of as the modern floral, seasonal dining table centerpiece.So there! If you're scrounging last minute, or just can't decide how you want to play the centerpiece problem, here are some great options that will have your guests impressed, and just might save the day.

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