Retro Kitchen? Novelty Salt And Pepper Shakers Are Cute, Nostalgic And Fun! You don't need to have a retro kitchen to enjoy the bright and cheery touch that novelty salt and pepper shakers bring to the table or kitchen counter. Sometimes, the smallest diversion from the ordinary in table settings makes all the difference in creating mood and providing conversation starters. While you may not want to use the damask tablecloth when serving spaghetti and garlic bread to your child's boy scout troop, a set of ceramic salt and pepper shakers in the shape of Disney's Simba and friends invites laughter and grabbing, to use and touch these enchanting shakers. While these novelty salt and pepper shakers were found in almost every 1940s and 1950s household, they seem to have fallen out of favor during the 1960s, replaced with sleek Scandinavian teak models with a more modern look. Now, these retro shakers are enjoying a Renaissance in the collectible market. You can find some pricey shakers, signed and numbered, in online shops, eBay and your local antique shops. Unless your kids are extremely careful and neat types, these are the ones that are housed behind glass displays. However, you don't have to spend an arm and a leg on this entertaining table accessory. You'll often find them in thrift shops, garage sales and crafts fairs. The ones ordinary people used on an every day basis are often the cutest and most entertaining. For example, animals were a very popular theme in the every day novelty salt and pepper shakers, with little duckies, chicks, roosters and hens, dogs and kitties. Although they were, at one time, mass produced, the glazing and painting was done by hand with care. Such shakers thus became one of a kind. One chick's eye was just a tad different than any other. The rooster might have one feather in a different shade than a duplicate set. That kittie's eyebrow or facial expression might distinguish your shaker, rendering varying degrees of whimsy. Kids are experts in discerning these differences. Majolica salt and pepper shakers are still quite popular in Europe. Majolica employs a carved, textured technique of ceramic making, for added dimension. Fruits, vegetables and birds are typical subjects in this genre of novelty salt and pepper shakers, painted in a fascinating combination of realism and impressionism. You can find these in abundance online, especially in shops which specialize in ceramic kitchen accessories. French, Italian, Portuguese and Mexican shops have good examples of this work and are reasonably priced. Just think. If you have a collection of just seven sets of shakers, you've got a new and cheerful table accessory for every day of the week. You can even hide a salt substitute inside the salt shaker! Collecting novelty salt and pepper shakers is a fun hobby and great gift idea. Summary Salt and pepper shakers for retro kitchens can be a great way to show off your taste and style in cute little accessories. You can choose from everyday happy go lucky daily use shakers to ornate antique pieces for special occasions. Many collectible pieces are available online. Related Articles Kitchen Knives Measuring Cups And Spoons Salt And Pepper Shakers Place Mats Ceramic Bread Box Spice Racks Cookie Jars Related Sites