The accusation: Debbie
He claims that the Spanish bowl we use for salt is unsanitary, yet I feel it gives us a cultured image
My partner Gene has been pestering me for quite some time, seeking assistance with selecting salt and pepper shakers. However, I perceive them as unnecessary extras.
Salt and pepper already come in plastic shakers from the grocery store, and we also store pink Himalayan salt in a small ceramic bowl from Spain, which we serve with a wooden spoon. I enjoy using the bowl, but Gene does not, as we often find ourselves using our fingers to sprinkle the salt, which he argues is unhygienic. Yet it’s just us at home, so what’s the big deal?
Gene suggests it would be “more sanitary and practical” if we avoided an open bowl for the salt. Nonetheless, I doubt that shakers would enhance our lives in any way. The plastic shakers from the store work perfectly, and I feel we don’t need additional items cluttering the counter or overcrowding our small wooden table.
Another concern of Gene’s is regarding appearance and convenience. When we host guests, he asserts it’s “impolite” for them to dip their hands into the bowl, which they occasionally do. One time our friend grabbed the salt with her fingers, and Gene kept quiet until after she departed, but he was quite unsettled. Moreover, he thinks supermarket shakers appear cheap.
He also wished to transfer all our soaps and dishwashing liquid into plain containers. I simply don’t see the purpose of that, while Gene is all about the visual appeal. We’ve shared a home for five years and he’s always had this perspective. He claims it’s more environmentally friendly to decant products rather than perpetually purchasing new plastic containers, but I don’t believe it makes a significant impact since we likely only buy salt and pepper biannually.
Rather than shakers, I find a small bowl of salt from Spain to be more intriguing, as it portrays us as cultured and well-traveled. Gene has spent countless hours online comparing various antique silver shakers to wooden ones. It seems excessive. For centuries, people managed just fine without shakers.
The rebuttal: Gene
Proper shakers are far more functional and enhance the table, demonstrating that it was prepared with care and thoughtfulness
Salt and pepper shakers are often regarded as merely decorative or redundant, but they fulfill a useful function. The primary advantage is hygiene.
Open bowls of salt, regardless of how lovely or artisanal they may appear, encourage people to dip fingers or mess with spoons. When guests do this, I cringe at the thought of the bacteria present. A shaker, conversely, maintains the integrity of the seasonings and dispenses them cleanly.
Additionally, there’s the aspect of presentation. When entertaining guests, attention to detail matters. A pair of thoughtfully selected shakers enhances the table, while plastic or glass containers from the supermarket seem temporary and out of place. Debbie finds it amusing, but I appreciate decanting everything for visual appeal. While people may not remark on these small details, presentation contributes to the ambiance, and little touches count. A table set with intention feels distinct from one haphazardly assembled with any containers from the store.
Convenience is also essential. Shakers are designed for ease and uniformity. A quick shake provides the perfect amount without fussing or measuring. I’ve ruined countless dishes by over-salting. Shakers would occupy the same space as the supermarket containers do, but they would help us control the salt in our dishes – plus, they also look appealing.
I prefer wooden shakers to complement our kitchen counters and dining table. Debbie doesn’t seem particularly concerned, but she once showed some interest in antique Victorian silver ones, which I am open to. However, I wish to see her express more enthusiasm for our selection, as she will be using them as well. I don’t grasp the resistance.
Quality shakers unite hygiene, functionality, and aesthetic appeal in a way that open bowls and disposable plastic containers simply cannot. A minor change, perhaps, but one that positively influences the atmosphere of a shared home. Debbie ought to appreciate that she has a partner who cares so deeply about the finer points.
The opinion of Guardian readers
It appears that Debbie will be less affected by this addition, while it will bring Gene considerable joy. Considering the times we live in, it feels wonderful to find an opportunity to introduce a bit more beauty into our lives – or at the very least, to the table.
Rebecca, 31
Gene might be right about the visual appeal of the dinner table, but he seriously needs to relax: the idea of decanting everything seems extremely unnecessary, and a salt shaker won’t prevent you from over-salting a meal. Salt acts as a natural biocide, so the risk of contracting something from sharing a small bowl must be minimal.
Bob, 72
Debbie should surrender the salt bowl for a couple of stylish new shakers. Gene’s inclination to enhance their home may seem a bit excessive, but there’s nothing inherently wrong with it as long as he doesn’t foist the task of decanting onto Debbie.
Daisy, 26
Having visually pleasing items in your home is delightful, and Gene appears to sincerely care about enhancing the space for them both. Transferring the dish soap might be a bit much, but if he wants to dedicate his time to that, so be it.
Sophie, 41
If cleanliness is the concern, wash your hands prior to handling the salt. Aesthetics are a matter of personal preference, but pepper from a grinder tastes superior to pre-ground, and you can gauge salt better by the pinch than from a shaker.
Matt, 30
Now it’s your turn to decide
In our online survey, share your thoughts on who should set the table
The poll will close on Wednesday 8 October at 9am BST
Results from last week
We inquired whether Dani should cover the cleaning costs at the Airbnb her family rented.
99% of you responded affirmatively – Dani is responsible
1% of you disagreed – Dani is not responsible
