A vessel holder including a free-swinging receiving and holding device for holding and securing a vessel. A free-swinging vessel holder including a receiving and holding device for holding and securing a vessel, a pivoting device operatively attached to the receiving and holding device for pivoting and swiveling the receiving and holding device and allowing free-swinging of the receiving and holding device, and an affixing device operatively connected to the pivoting device for affixing the receiving and holding device to a fixed surface.