Objects of the Day: Salt Cellars and Silver Spoons

Well into the 1940’s, salt cellars were the primary means of providing table salt for seasoning. Usually made of glass or crystal, these small receptacles held the salt (considered a precious commodity for centuries) and featured small silver spoons that were used to sprinkle the crystals onto food. In the Middle Ages, a large salt cellar would dominate the dining tables of wealthy households as a display of the homeowner’s importance in the community. By the Nineteenth Century, individual salt cellars would grace each place setting.


In the late 1940’s, as moisture absorbing agents were added to table salt, the grains of salt became finer and salt cellars gave way to the rise of salt shakers. By the 1950’s, salt cellars had fallen out of common use, but quickly became coveted collectibles.

My family still uses salt cellars on special occasions. There’s something elegant about the presence of a salt cellar at each place setting—gleaming crystal with darling little sterling spoons. I was given this set of crystal salt cellars and silver spoons to go with my china. If you’re looking for a way to add some sparkle and grace to your dining table, adding salt cellars to your place setting is an excellent idea. They can still be found in antique stores or via online sellers.