One of the important uses of a handout is to let the audience enter notes. 
The Handout layout provides a blank area on each page for that purpose.
But a completely blank area is not suitable for writing notes neatly.

In some lectures, the audience members may be required to draw rough graphs.
Again, a totally blank area is not suited for that purpose.

For such needs, provide three additional options for the "notes" area: 
> Horizontal lines (for writing notes)
> Squares (ideal for math, notes and/or plotting graphs)
> Grid of dots/crosses (suitable for all purposes)

Provide options to change the properties of these "guides" (pitch, shape, size,
color, etc). 

For example, the lines could be solid, dashed or dotted. Their thickness could
be varied.
Their color can be set to match the corporate color; or gray to make them
inconspicuous. 
The net effect can make the handout very stylish.