French Phrase
Et les centres de table ?
Meaning
Literally “And the table centerpieces?” It is a short, informal question used to ask what will happen with, or what the status of, the decorative pieces placed in the middle of a dining table.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are discussing event planning, wedding arrangements, dinner parties, or any situation where the décor of the table is being decided. It works well in informal conversation or when checking a checklist with a colleague or partner.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Etlescentresdetable?
Et (and)
A coordinating conjunction used to add another element or ask about something additional.
les (definite article, plural)
The plural form of the definite article "the"; it agrees with the noun that follows.
centres de table (noun phrase)
A compound noun meaning "centerpieces"; "centres" is plural, and "de table" specifies the type (of the table).
Question mark
In spoken French the intonation rises at the end, signalling a question.
🗨In Conversation
Et les centres de table ?
And the centerpieces?
Je les ai commandés chez le fleuriste, ils arriveront demain.
I ordered them from the florist; they’ll arrive tomorrow.
✕Common Mistakes
Et les centre de table ?
The noun must be plural (centres) to agree with the plural article "les".
Et les centres de tables ?
The prepositional phrase "de table" stays singular; adding an extra "s" is incorrect.
Et le centre de table ?
Using the singular article "le" changes the meaning to a single centerpiece, which may not match the intended context.
↔Alternatives
Qu'en est‑il des centres de table ?
What about the centerpieces?
Et les décorations de table ?
And the table decorations?
Les centres de table, on les a déjà choisis ?
Have we already chosen the centerpieces?
Cultural Tip
In French weddings and formal meals, the "centre de table" is more than a decorative object; it often reflects the theme of the event and can include flowers, candles, or seasonal items. When asking about them, it’s polite to show interest in the overall aesthetic, not just the logistics. Also, note that in France the word "centre" is masculine, but in the plural expression "centres de table" the article "les" makes the gender irrelevant.