I haven't followed this thread in detail but thought I'd throw this in:
When I was at the Culinary Institute in the early 80s, the banquet
mirror wasn't the centerpiece, it was the tray for the food.
Elaborately cut crudites and decorated appetizers were geometrically
placed on large round mirrors. Everything on them was edible. You
might have whole sculptures done with fruit. The effect was dazzling.
You had to be extra careful not to break them when washing them, but
they weren't much more trouble than any other large tray. The smooth
glass could be wiped down with vinegar for a streak free surface. You
might have rows of them at a large party. It looked lovely.


--Lia