Napkin holders are often poorly designed; many are so flimsy and light that the mere act of grabbing a napkin from it can knock them over. This is definitely not the case with MIU France's stainless steel napkin holder. For one thing, the napkins lie flat, parallel with the table, on a brushed steel tray. Two side pieces keep the napkins centered, and a steel bar weights them down. On either end, this bar slides into grooves in the side struts, lowering as each napkin is dispensed. A small rubberized square under where the napkins sit keeps the stack from sliding around. The look of the MIU France napkin holder is both modern and neutral, formal and casual; it would be suitable on a kitchen breakfast table or on a festive holiday buffet. It is made of sturdy, low-gloss, brushed 18/10 cadmium-free stainless steel. Cleaning is easy; use a warm cloth or sponge and hot soapy water, and avoid harsh abrasive scrubbers or cleansers. If necessary, the separate steel bar could be washed in the dishwasher, but the actual napkin holder should be washed by hand to avoid wetting the rubberized friction square, as that might weaken the underlying adhesive. --Garland Withers
