“GIVE NEITHER COUNSEL NOR SALT TILL YOU ARE ASKED FOR IT.” - Italian Proverb

Pewter Salt and Pepper Shakers

I am not a big salt person. In fact the only thing I add salt to is a margarita – yum!


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So take my advice with a grain of salt (ha, ha sorry could not resist the pun). Actually, this is sound advice:

When you want it, and it is not within easy reach, ask someone to, “please pass the salt.” Before you utter those words though remember that you should actually taste the food to see if needs the seasoning you have asked to be passed your way.

If you are the one passing the salt, also pass the pepper. They are a pair. When passing salt and pepper place them on the table next to the person requesting the seasoning.  Do not hand them directly to the other person.

Some hostesses have enough individual salt and pepper pairings for everyone like the ones pictured here:


Buy these here

The exception to the rule of keeping salt and pepper together is if the salt is in a salt cellar -a small dish placed on the table to house the salt.  In that case, when someone asks for the salt you only pass the salt cellar.

Individual Salt Cellar

 I think salt cellars are adorable. There are a few rules for their use as well.

Most come with tiny spoons which you use to place the salt on your food or plate. But if there is no spoon, use the tip of a clean knife to take some salt. Never dip a dirty knife tip into a shared salt cellar.

If everyone at the table has their own salt cellar for their individual use, one can either use the tip of their knife or may take a pinch of salt with their fingers.

You can be really creative with salt and pepper shakers - take a look at some of these:

Pear and Apple Salt Shakers



Seahorse Salt and Pepper Shakers



Dart Frog Salt and Pepper Shakers

What is your preference - individual salt and pepper shakers; salt cellars or fancy salt and pepper pairs?