what i’m collecting: salt-n-pepper shakers
As some one who is extremely fond of food and cooking, it’d be easy to develop an obsession with those two essential seasonings — salt and pepper. For me though, it’s not the spice that does it but rather the shakers that feed my fancy. I’m consistently drawn to them (in all of their millions of permutations) as I scour street markets, surf design sites on the web, and window shop at some of my favorite (but pricey) kitchen stores in NYC. I picked up this 1960’s Pyrex pair this weekend at a thrift store down the street. I love how amazingly modern the design is, especially the way the salt and pepper pour out around the sides of the stopper rather than through standard holes in the top. Here are two more I have my eye on:
These Shake-A-Leg Salt and Pepper Shakers from Perch in Brooklyn may be my next purchase. The irony of seasoning my eggs with this set is just too good to pass up.
Though $90 for this set seems like a lot, what could be more elegant than these Vic Firth Salt and Pepper Mills from Stonewall Kitchen. The simple, hardwood design and French flare would surely add instant glamour to my table (even if my meal is coming out of white cardboard takeout boxes!).
Does anyone else out there love salt-n-pepper shakers? I’d love to know what you’ve found! — Erica P.
July 5th, 2006 at 11:14 pm
I’ve also been obsessed with salt and pepper shakers, although I’m still waiting for the “one” perfect set. I’m contemplating the Cylindra s&p shakers (http://www.umbra.com/ustore). I love the ones you’ve pictured, too. I think it’s important to be able to see the black and white colors of the spices. Until I find my dream shakers, my s&p are in tiny stainless steel bowls for pinching.
July 11th, 2006 at 6:34 pm
There are so many people obsessed with salt & pepper shakers - there is at least one national organization of collectors with state chapters. There is an annual convention of novelty collectors (mainly ceramic, new and antique, etc). The convention happens to be this Friday and Saturday- July 14th & 15th in New Jersey at the Newark Airport Marriott. Here is a link with some contact information. The site is a bit basic, but will point you in the right direction. There are some members of the club that have over 14,000 sets. I personally only have about 400 sets…(only? I guess obsession is the right word…) This is very kitschie group.
http://saltandpepperclub.com/conv/jersey.htm