Colette-tions: Salt and Pepper Shakers
As a child, whenever I heard the word “collect”, I thought someone was saying my name. And so in addition to Colettiquette, I also have coined the phrase Colette-tions, a play on the word collections, as mine are pretty distinct.
Salt and pepper shakers are commonplace on most dinner tables. People generally like the option to add additional seasoning to their food. Salt and pepper shakers are entirely practical, though a collection of them may be unnecessary.
The set of salt and pepper shakers that started this collection was a gift from two college friends who had traveled to Chile for a summer trip. They generously brought me back a souvenir: salt and pepper shakers labeled “Morphine” and “Marijuana” based on Pablo Neruda’s own set. I adored them. They were humorous but also cute enough that I would actually use them when setting a table.
Image by Kirsten Valentini
I held onto them but wasn’t inspired to really start a collection of them. Then on a trip to Jackson Hole, I found an adorable pair of porcelain piggy salt and pepper shakers. Bonus: they were rather inexpensive at only $6. How could I pass them up? I couldn’t and so I didn’t.
Image by Kirsten Valentini
The collection has grown into an official Colette-tion with the help of many friends and my family. The selection of sets tends more towards the whimsical and kitschy, with a smattering of high-end pairs courtesy of some generous people in my life. Now, I almost always set my tables with salt and pepper shakers.
Beyond their practicality, salt and pepper shakers make for a great souvenir. Small enough to easily fit in your carry on but unique enough to be special. Plus I find them more useful than shot glasses.
Image by Kirsten Valentini
Image by Romy Macari