High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The table should have a centerpiece that performs a solely decorative function. If an informal dinner is being served that will fill the available places at the table, care should be taken to make the centerpiece not too large so that there will be sufficient room to place serving dishes. However, at a formal dinner in Europe, the centerpiece may be huge and, including candles, may extend the full length of the table. Centerpieces should be of low height, so as not to obstruct visibility of diners' faces.