“Epergne,” meaning “an ornamental centerpiece,” comes from a French word for “saving” (“épargne”), but the tradition of decorating the dining table can be traced back to ancient Rome. It was common to decorate banquet tables with local plants and even animals to reflect the seasons and holiday themes. Decorative dining dropped out of style in the European Middle Ages, but by the 18th century, excess was back. Epergnes began showing up on tables as large ornamental centerpieces, filled with flowers and fruit. Today, the tradition continues with tablescapes suitable for every occasion.