September 06, 2017

In this post, we talk about conventional salt and pepper shaker usage, then we give some great examples of unconventional salt shaker usage.

Early uses for salt and pepper shakers

In Western culture is to easily distribute edible grains of ground peppercorns and salt as a condiment for food. When Morton Salt Company invented anti-caking agents in the 1920s, extensive use of shakers became evident. Salt and pepper shakers were made from an assortment of materials: ceramic, metal, and glass. The Great Depression forced ceramics producers worldwide to focus on producing affordable salt and pepper shakers.

Modern uses of salt and pepper shakers

Salt and pepper shakers are usually sold as a matched set (except in very casual eating environments) with matching designs. The designs for the sets can range vastly from the traditional glass screw cap containers that are plain and small to intricate art masterpieces! It is not uncommon for set designs to symbolize a pair of related objects. For example, a king chess piece design for salt, and a queen chess piece design for pepper. There are designs for specific life events centering around wedding themes, religious baptisms, or academic graduations. Due to the creative nature of these decorative/useful products, salt and pepper shakers have effortlessly become a hobby for many. There are both collectors and creators who share the ever-evolving functions of the shakers. Below is a list of just some of their results to draw your own inspiration for different salt and pepper shaker use!

Alternative uses for salt and pepper shaker

Additional Condiments beyond Salt and Pepper

You can fill up your shakers with so much more than salt and pepper! Some ideas include:

  • Cinnamon mix: mixing sugar and cinnamon to create a blend of your oatmeal, French toast, coffee, and more!
  • Popcorn mix: mixing various spices like chili powders, salt, cumin, furikake spices, garlic, curry etc. to sprinkle over your favorite popcorn.

Tiny Terrariums

Once you add small pebbles, moss, soil, and tiny plants and figurines, your shakers will transform into their very own decorative microcosm.

Miniature Vases for Flowers

Pick some tiny wildflowers or a miniature bouquet from your own garden to fill a shaker. These tiny vases can fit perfectly on a mirror ledge or windowsill.

Seed Dispenser for Gardening

In the emptied shaker, throw in some of those produce seeds or flowering seeds you’ve been wanting in the garden for ages but haven’t had the time to plant! Sowing seeds evenly in the soil has never been easier, and you can add gelatin to the shaker for an added disease-fighting ingredient to encourage sprouting. Grow plants right in your home.

Air Fresheners/Aromatherapy

The holes in the lid of shakers can draw in ugly odors and freshen the surrounding air if you fill the base with vinegar, baking soda, and coffee grounds. To add additional aromas you can fill the base with potpourri or a cotton ball soaked in your preferred essential oils.

So what idea did you feel was the most clever? What do you are you going to try next? Have you already tried any of these ideas? Do you have anything we missed?


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