In family-style dinners, the salt and pepper should be passed:

• A. Together
• B. Separately
• C. In alternating turns
• D. With the fork

Answer: (A)

In family-style dinners, salt and pepper should be passed together because they’re a paired set and sharing them as a unit keeps the table flow smooth and polite. It signals that both seasonings are available and makes it easy for the next person to grab both at once, without extra hints or delays. When passing, do so in one motion to the right, holding the shakers by their handles to keep the tops clean and accessible. Passing separately would create unnecessary delays and awkwardness, while passing in alternating turns or with a fork isn’t appropriate etiquette.