Bag hooks, or bag hangers as they are sometimes called, are pretty easy to find. Generally any gift shop or place selling accessories has a selection. They come in many different styles – from plain discs to sparkly shapes. They make a very nice gift and are usually not expensive – usually from £5 to £10 though you do get some more pricey ones made by famous brands such as Aspinal.
I have been given several over the years but have never used them. In Sweden most restaurants have hooks under the tables or on the table legs to hold bags. If they do not have them I generally keep my bag on an empty chair beside me or my lap. I very seldom put my bag on the floor or the back of a chair because, coming from a country with a high crime rate as I do, this is where thieves pounce.
When I was in Rotterdam and Petra and I went out for lunch, Petra hung her bag on a gorgeous sparkly bag hook. Later on, her mom pulled out the most gorgeous sequined sparkly ladybug bag hook! I fell in love.
So one of my resolutions this year is going to be to try to get into the habit of using these. They are pretty simple to use – just release the metal catch, swivel out the bag hook, position the counterweight on the table and hang your bag on it. Many bag hooks come with little pouches to keep your hook in, but even if they don’t they are pretty hardy and fairly small and light. They keep your bag close and visible, easily accessible and away from dirty or sticky surfaces.
