There is also an item which holds a napkin or serviette in a button hole or the top of a conventional necktie knot.

[5][6] Even simpler designs have been sold as projects that children can do, the napkin holders in these being made of paper plates and yarn.

[13] The two main styles of napkin holders, vertical and horizontal, function in similar ways.

[4] Another type of horizontal holder lacks a weight altogether, and is simply a base and four edges.

However, if conserving space is not an issue, a horizontal napkin holder is advantageous, as well as slightly easier for the subject to access.

[1] Lastly, price and budget are determining factors of a napkin holder's design, which usually range between 10 and 50 US dollars.

[16] Napkin dispensers serve in restaurants not only because they are easy to access, but more importantly because they provide diners with autonomy from the restaurant staff, so if a spill or other accident occurs, the diners can clean it up on their own,[17] which frees the burden from waiters and other busy members of the staff.