Movers and Shakers

I never paid much attention to Salt and Pepper.

To be honest, I found them quite boring. Yet, somehow, they were invited to every single dinner party. Not only did they seemed make it around the table - passed from guest to guest - they were even called out by name. They may be social but they seriously lacked a sense of style.

Until now. I've discovered some fresh, new looks for Salt and Pepper that will get the whole party talking.

My favorite salt and pepper shakers are the Jonathan Adler ceramic fish ($48) that are decorated with bold geometric patterns. At two inches tall, these little fish are playful and fun. They come in white or chartreuse (what a chic color!).




At the MOMA Store, I stumbled upon these adorable porcelain Hug Shakers by Alberto Mantilla ($25). The charming characters (who remind me of Casper the Friendly Ghost) affectionately hug each other when not in use.



Also, at the MOMA, these modernist stainless steel shakers are a real conversation piece. Called Wobble ($28), they have a weighted base that keeps them balanced as they "wobble" on the table and prevents them from actually falling over.


And, finally, if you prefer a grinder, these stainless steel cylinders by Crate and Barrel ($19.95 each) are beautiful with clean, smooth lines. No old fashioned grinder to turn...all you have to do is press down on the top with your thumb like clicking a pen for perfectly ground sea salt and peppercorns. Standing only 5.5 inches tall with a 1 inch diameter, these are compact and perfect for meals away from the table.

Extraordinary Eva

During a time when women did not go to dinner parties without escorts, Eva Zeisel was crossing continents in search of creative independance. And, at 100 years old, the world renowned designer is still a force of nature.

Best known for her organic, modernist ceramics, Eva was awarded the prestigious Cooper Hewitt National Design Award for Lifetime Achievement. Her work is featured in the permanent collections of the Met, MOMA and the Victoria and Albert in London among others. But, you don't have to go to the museum to enjoy her art...just head to Crate and Barrel.

Eva was the first person to design an all-white Modernist dinner service in the U.S. Although the originals are now collector's items, Crate Barrel reissued a sampling of her 1952 timeless tabletop designs.

The Classic Century Dinnerware Collection is filled with sculptural pieces from oval dinner plates to teardrop platters (my favorite). A 5-piece serving set including platter, footed bowl, creamer and sugar bowl with lid is only $147.95.

Who knew your tea pot could have such a pedigreed past?