Napkin holder facts for kids
A typical upright napkin holder
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| Classification | Kitchenware |
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| Types | Vertical, horizontal Plastic, metal. |
| Used with | Napkins |
| Related | Napkin ring, napkin dispenser |
A napkin holder is a handy device that keeps napkins neatly in one place. It can be made from almost any strong material. Napkin holders are designed so that napkins don't fall out. They often hold napkins between two surfaces or enclose them on their sides.
You can find napkin holders in many styles and prices. Some are made of wood, while others are from wrought iron or ceramic. A special type, called a napkin dispenser, is often found in restaurants and diners. It holds folded napkins in a metal case, letting you pull out one napkin at a time. Simpler napkin holders are common in homes and classrooms.
There's also a unique item that holds a napkin to your clothes. It might clip to a buttonhole or a necktie knot. These are often made of sterling silver and are quite old, dating back to Edwardian times. You can sometimes find them in antique shops as collector's items.
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What Do Napkin Holders Do?
Napkin holders do exactly what their name says: they hold and store napkins. Most often, they keep napkins sandwiched between two surfaces. There are two main types: vertical and horizontal holders.
Besides holding napkins, these devices can also make a room look nicer. They can match the decorations inside or outside a building. Making napkin holders is a fun project for people who like to build things. Magazines like Popular Mechanics have even featured them as easy do-it-yourself projects. Some simple designs can even be made by children using paper plates and yarn.
Napkin holders are used in many different places. You can find them in school classrooms, busy restaurants, and even at home.
The History of Napkin Holders
The idea of napkin holders became popular when paper napkins were invented. The Scott Paper Company made paper napkins popular in 1930. Before that, people used cloth napkins, often like handkerchiefs, as far back as Greek and Roman times.
During the 1800s, blacksmiths often made wrought iron napkin holders and rings. They also made other household items. Today, most napkin holders are made by machines. Blacksmithing is now more of an art form than a way to make everyday items.
Old-Fashioned Napkin Holders
Old-fashioned napkin holders were very common in kitchens during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Many of these were made from bright, colorful plastic. Some were clear, and some were solid colors. Other types of napkin holders, not made of plastic, were also produced. However, these were made in smaller numbers.
How Napkin Holders Are Designed
The two main styles of napkin holders are vertical and horizontal. Both work in similar ways. Vertical holders and some horizontal ones hold napkins between two surfaces. In vertical holders, these surfaces are usually the same size and shape, making them look balanced.
For horizontal holders that sandwich napkins, the bottom part is often about the size of a paper napkin (around 7.25 by 7.75 inches). The top part can be any shape, as it acts like a paperweight to keep the napkins down. Some horizontal holders have edges to help hold the napkins, while others just rely on their weight. Another type of horizontal holder has no weight at all; it's just a base with four edges.
The design of a napkin holder often depends on where it will be used. If there isn't much space on a table, a vertical design might be better. But if space isn't an issue, a horizontal napkin holder can be easier to reach. The color, style, and how strong it is also depend on the room's look. Finally, the price and your budget also affect the design. Napkin holders usually cost between 10 and 50 US dollars.
How Napkin Holders Are Made
Even though the basic idea of a napkin holder is simple, the tools and materials used to make them can be very different. It all depends on what the maker is using.
Making Wooden Napkin Holders
Wooden napkin holders are not as common as metal ones. However, they are often made as art projects. This is because they are relatively easy to make, and the materials are easy to find. Common materials for wooden napkin holders include:
Making Metal Napkin Holders
Metal napkin holders can be made from different types of metal. These include wrought iron, wire, or thin sheets of metal.
Napkin Dispensers
Napkin dispensers are a special type of napkin holder. You often see them in restaurants. They are useful in restaurants because they are easy for customers to use. More importantly, they allow diners to get napkins themselves. If a spill happens, customers can clean it up without needing a waiter. This helps busy restaurant staff.
See also
In Spanish: Servilletero para niños
