A covered ashtray having an opening in one sidewall or a cover thereof, which permits a tip of a lit smoking article, such as for example a cigar or cigarette, to be suspended within the interior of the ashtray. Retention structure may be provided to securely retain the smoking article in position in the opening. The housing and cover may be manufactured as a single unit, or separately, and later connected. Preferably, at least a portion of the cover or housing is openable (e.g. hinged or completely removable) to permit emptying the contents of the ashtray.