This telephone handset receptacle has a base adapted to be mounted on a substantially vertical surface. At least one support member is spaced away from the base and extends upward when the base is mounted on the substantially vertical surface. The at least one support member is dimensioned and configured to engage the telephone handset so that the handset hangs from the receptacle. The base includes a means for fastening the receptacle to the substantially vertical surface. In its preferred form, the receptacle also includes a sound generation means activated by the presence of a telephone handset in the receptacle.