Always pass the salt & pepper together, even when only one is requested. Keeping the two spices together originates from France in the 17th century and is still observed as proper dining etiquette in modern-day society.
Since the two are a positive pairing to provide additional seasoning, the marriage of the two spices makes it easier for people to independently flavor their food to their specified taste.
When setting the table note that salt should be allocated to the shaker with fewer holes than the pepper, making it easy to distinguish between the two and making additional seasoning of the food discreet.
When it comes to passing the salt and pepper together, there are a few etiquette guidelines to keep in mind:
Always Pass Them Together
It is customary to pass the salt and pepper shakers together, even if someone asks for just one of them. This ensures that both condiments are readily available for anyone who may need them.
Offer Them to the Right
When passing the salt and pepper, offer them to the person on your right first. This follows the general rule of passing items around the table in a clockwise direction.
Avoid Seasoning Your Own Food First
It is considered polite to pass the salt and pepper to others before using them yourself. This shows consideration for others’ needs and allows them to season their food before you do.
Pass Them Directly
When passing the salt and pepper, hand them directly to the person who requested them, rather than placing them on the table. This ensures that they reach the intended recipient without any confusion.
Use the Appropriate Shaker
If there are multiple sets of salt and pepper shakers on the table, make sure to pass the ones closest to the person who requested them. This avoids any confusion and ensures that the correct condiments are passed.
Remember, these guidelines are meant to promote good table manners and ensure that the perfect pairing remains intact.