Okay, I know what you’re thinking. “White salt and pepper shakers? Isn’t that a little…specific?” Well, yes it is, but hear me out here. I was at a friend’s house the other night for dinner (nothing fancy, just two friends catching up) but it felt special.

She set the table with her favorite tablecloth, favorite dishes, cloth napkins and even had a bud vase with flowers she got from the farmer’s market. And what about it all impressed me most? These gorgeous vintage white salt and pepper shakers she bought from eBay (she only brings those out for special guests!).

Why did this impress me? For the following reasons:

1. Salt and pepper shakers usually detract from the decor. Instead of adding something to the table that was obviously an afterthought, she added two special pieces that actually complimented what was already going on with the design of the table. Function is important, but so is form.
2. Salt and pepper shakers sometimes end up being too kitschy. You know what I’m talking about. Probably something shaped like ceramic corn, or a ceramic rooster or ceramic bulldog puppies! Nothing wrong with kitsch, but you also have to know when you’ve taken it too far.
3. The devil is in the details. Even though it was just a night for me and my friend to catch up, I felt special because she pulled out some of her favorite things to make the night just a little different from all the others. That’s what something as simple as white salt and pepper shakers can do.

While I can’t recreate my friend’s salt and pepper shakers, I found some worthy substitutes. Check them out:

Classic Century Salt and Pepper Set from Crate and Barrel

Ceramic Salt and Pepper Shakers with Cork Bottom from Oom Store

Salt and Pepper Cellars with Purple Embroidery Stitch from Suite One Studio

Emma Salt and Pepper Shakers from Pottery Barn

And…I know I was just ranting about kitschy salt and pepper shakers, but I found this on my hunt and they were too cute not to share. The Odd Couple Salt and Pepper Set from Urban Outfitters.

Now, I’d love to know. What’s one piece of decor you use only for special guests?