A utensil retaining device includes a body portion having a longitudinal wall extending between a first end and a second end such that a utensil entrance is defined therebetween and an extension member connected to the body portion. The extension member contains a plurality of flexible cables therewithin such that it can be easily flexibly adapted to removably attach to various contours of upper edges and exterior surfaces of serveware. The utensil retaining device is made of a heat resistant and flexible moldable polymeric material such that the body portion moldably and flexibly grips the exterior surface of the handle of a utensil, serving utensil, tool instrument or other handheld tools.