The Chronicle of Coasters
“Where there’s tea, there’s me.” - Drink W. Coaster.
A friendship we never asked for but never knew we needed.
Today, the spotlight will be on drink coasters. So, grab your cup of tea or coffee, place it on your coaster (not next to it, please), sit back, and enjoy this brief article about the unsung heroes of household tables from around the world, successfully preventing ring marks for more than a century!
The History (that we know)
Though it’s hard to trace the real origin of drink coasters, they are believed to be originally designed circa. 1700s for decanters or wine bottles to be slid around the dinner table in the absence of the servants. This is pretty much where it got its name as these low round trays placed under the bottles had wheels that enabled the drinks to be ‘coasted’ around to each of the diners at the table.
Over a century later, Friedrich Horn, a printing company from Germany, introduced the first beer mats made of cardboard in 1880. This became a spark that encouraged more of this essential tableware to be made all across the country, most notably in an artsy town called Dresden. In 1892, Robert Sputh of Dresden had the idea of patenting the first beer mats made from wood pulp that were round in shape. At this point, coasters could already be found in almost every alehouse, pub, and bar across Germany. This was of course before Watney Brewery finally introduced coasters to the United Kingdom — and the rest is history.
The Materials
The earlier coasters were mostly made of wood and silver plates, but as time went by, people got more creative with choosing the best materials to produce unique coasters of their own. Today, you can find them in paper, slate, unglazed ceramics, sandstone, marble, and even resin. However, we believe that none will beat the timelessness of wooden coasters that subtly bring a rustic-vintage vibe to your table.
What about the imprints that can be found on coasters? Well, coasters nowadays can be customized according to your preference. Some of the more popular ones are adorned with famous fictional characters (e.g. superheroes, cartoons characters, etc.) and some with funny or inspiring quotes. Apart from that, businesses also take the opportunity to advertise their brands, usually by putting their brand colors and logos on the coasters.
Why Do You Need a Coaster?
Easy. It’s to prevent you from getting a roller coaster ride of emotions as your guests casually place their over-brimming cups of coffee or glasses of ‘sweaty' drinks on your table. I mean, who likes having water ring marks on their tables to deal with after a great tea sesh with friends? No one. Unless maybe, you’re a thirsty ant. Plus, coasters are great at preventing cups or glasses from leaving small scratches or nicks on your table, especially if you’re moving your drinks a lot.
So, get coasters!
P/s: If you’re looking for the best rustic wooden coasters for your table, here's where to look: