My husband says that it is proper to pass someone the salt and pepper together, even when they just ask for the salt, and that it's widely known, whereas I think that's a load of crap! I think if you ask for the salt, you want THE SALT. If I wanted the pepper, I would have asked for that too. Please, I'm reaching out! What do you think??
2006-10-29 12:19:15 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
If you're at home with family, it doesn't really matter, but in a formal setting, salt and pepper are ALWAYS passed together.
2006-10-29 12:28:42 · answer #1 · answered by Knowledge 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
My husband passes both and I wonder why. I don't want the pepper if I don't ask for it...it just makes you have to figure out what to do with it when someone hands it to you.
Since I'm thinking about it, it may be nice to keep the salt and pepper together at the table so people don't have to look all over to find the pepper if they already know where the salt is if you're having a dinner party or something.
2006-10-29 12:25:51 · answer #2 · answered by DeborahDel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your husband is right! The salt and the pepper always stay together. If someone asks for salt, you hand both the salt and pepper; it is proper table etiquette. For example, if you're having dinner at a nice restaurant or at a wedding reception or if you have important people over for dinner, then you follow proper table etiquette. If you're just having a regular dinner at home with your husband, then you can skip the table etiquette if you want.
2006-10-29 12:55:01 · answer #3 · answered by Johnny Canada 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Proper etiquette says that you pass both the salt and pepper together. Normally you would pick up both with the same hand and pass directly to the left or right (depending on which direction they are sitting) and pass it down the line. Never across the table.
I hope this helps.
2006-10-30 01:08:16 · answer #4 · answered by jarhed 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not sure if its proper - but just pass what is requested please.
I only pass the salt. One fact your husband may not be aware of but we live with daily is allergies.
Our daughter is allergic to pepper and garlic - so passing her the pepper when she asks for salt can end a meal quickly with a trip to the emergency room if it spills.
We have learned to live with this over time and dining out can be adventurous. Thanks for the heads up that some people may pass both when salt is requested.
2006-10-29 12:28:00 · answer #5 · answered by Akkita 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree. If I request just salt or just pepper, then the one item is the one that I want...if I want both, I will ask someone to please pass the "salt and pepper." However, if this has become a really tricky situation, then perhaps when you are entertaining you could get one of those pepper grinders that has a salt shaker attached. One thing to pass, it passes both, and you won't have to remember.
2006-10-30 00:53:15 · answer #6 · answered by JenV 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To be proper the salt and pepper are passed together. It's just one of those things. Like keeping your napkin on your lap and not the table.
2006-10-29 15:51:36 · answer #7 · answered by Classy Granny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, pass them both, because they should stay together on the table, only because it makes them easier to see. Often salt and pepper shakers look similar as well, so passing both saves you from checking the big holes and Small holes on the shaker.
Nice your husband is teaching you some etiquette, even if you think it is " a load of crap". Such a charmer you are!
2006-10-29 12:31:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Technically speaking, yes, the salt and pepper go together. But I don't worry too much about it except in formal situations(example: at a fancy restaurant.)
2006-10-29 13:08:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Assumptions are rude. When some one asks for the salt, they want salt, not pepper. In a way isn't it being a bit bossy?
"Here is the salt, but you MUST have the pepper too!"
2006-10-29 12:22:42 · answer #10 · answered by pinacoladasundae 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋