FFA Horticulture CDE General Practice Exam

What is the maximum height a centerpiece should rarely exceed?

1. 6 inches

2. 10 inches

3. 12 inches

4. 18 inches

The correct answer is: 12 inches

The maximum height a centerpiece should rarely exceed is 12 inches. This guideline is important for several reasons. First, centerpieces are usually positioned on dining tables or similar surfaces where they need to allow for unobstructed line-of-sight among guests. A centerpiece that is too tall can block the view of people seated across from one another, hindering conversation and creating a less inviting dining experience. Additionally, maintaining a height of 12 inches or less helps ensure that the centerpiece does not overpower other elements on the table, such as place settings and decorative items. While taller arrangements can be visually striking, they can distort the balance of the table if they are excessively high. Thus, the 12-inch maximum serves as a practical guideline to ensure centerpieces are both aesthetically pleasing and functional in social settings.