A hundred-year-old book on scientific management of homes recommended the use of a “revolving susan.”
In many cases, where the dining table has a large enough diameter, it is practical to use in the middle of the table a “revolving susan” – or circular glass tray mounted on a revolving stand, which will accommodate butter, relishes, etc.; but its greatest value lies in assisting the host to pass dishes to each person to be served. Set the plate of food on the server, give a slight touch, and it will revolve to the person desired, thus doing away with awkward passing from one to another. Similarly the server may be used for removing the soiled plates, by each person laying their soiled plate in turn on the server, and whirling to the hostess, who will then remove them unobtrusively.
Household Engineering: Scientific Management in the Home by Mrs. Christine Frederick (1923)
A Hundred Years Ago 
That would look lovely sitting on the coffee table. I’d buy one.
It is pretty.
Well, that name is certainly more polite than “Lazy Susan”, which is what we always called it!
The term being used now is “Super Susan.” I learned that when I got my new cabinets.
I kind of like “Super Susan.” I never heard that term before. This is an example of how the words have changed at least three times across the last hundred years – Revolving Susan, Lazy Susan, Super Susan.
I appreciated it, too, since my name is Susan. What was funny was I had not heard Super Susan and when I called it a Lazy Susan, my male kitchen crew corrected me. I said you guys are my new best friends.
I love it. Thanks for sharing. What a fun story!
Love it!
We also always called them a Lazy Susan.
There’s a revolving Susan in the middle of my table always, and it is really handy. I wonder when it started being called a Lazy Susan? And who was Susan? Was she lazy or just smart?
There must be a story behind why these are called after a Susan.
Yes, there are several, most of which may or may not be accurate.
It may remain a mystery https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazy_Susan
Thanks for the link. The history is murky, but I enjoyed learning more about them.
Like Arlene, I know this a a Lazy Susan.
I also know these as Lazy Susans. I found it interesting that the caption under the photo said “servette or silent servant,” and the text referred to a “revolving susan.”
I have a Lazy Susan and use it all the time. Those in need of a small marble Lazy Susan might be able to get one at HomeGoods online. I just saw them in their ad. Grest service tool!
Good to know that they are still available.
I never had one big enough to be useful, but this one looks perfect.
The one in the picture does look like it would be a nice size.
I like the name Revolving Susan so much better than the other term for it!
So do I. 🙂
A clever invention, nice to know it dates back over one hundred years. Thanks Sheryl.
Sometimes I’m surprised about which things were around a hundred years ago.
I’ve got several of different sizes – they are great when there are big gatherings!
That makes a lot of sense. Somehow your comment made me think about family gatherings where people were trying to decide whether to pass the food to the left or the right.