Did your mum ever tell you to use a coaster? She was right! Coasters protect your surfaces from being burnt by hot drinks, or scratched as drinks are slid around. But the coaster’s main purpose in life is to prevent water rings. Water rings form with any cold drink. When warm air hits the cold surface of the bottle, glass or can, it reaches its dew point and condenses. This leaves droplets of water on the glass, and soon a little puddle will form underneath your drink.
If you’ve ever wondered why a coaster is called a coaster, read on. The first coasters were actually designed not for glasses but for wine bottles and decanters in the 18th century. After the servants had retired for the night, those poor aristocrats had no one to top up their wine or port glasses, so they used little trays to slide — or ‘coast’ — the bottles around the polished dinner table. Early coasters were more like a shallow dish, commonly made of wood or silver. (If you were drinking a hot drink such as a cup of tea, you used a saucer.) It was another century before the first cardboard beer coasters were introduced in German pubs. By the 1920s they were being used to advertise beer brands. By the middle of the last century, coasters for drinks were commonly used in pubs, restaurants and homes. So don’t be a party pest — use a coaster. Happily, drink coasters can also be decorative and/or fun.
How to choose a coaster
You could just decide to spend the rest of your life with the first coaster that catches your fancy. But we all know how that ends. So here’s a little buying guide for coasters. First up, what are they made of? Coasters come in a vast range of materials from solid marble to woven straw. The best coasters are made from materials that absorb moisture — while of course also adding a touch of personal style.
Ceramic coasters and sandstone coasters are decorative and absorbent. Resin coasters look pretty and have good heat resistance. Wood coasters and bamboo coasters have a classy appearance and are a good choice as a gift as they go with most styles of decor. Marble coasters and agate coasters are good for a wow factor. Silicone, rubber, neoprene and plastic coasters are cheap and cheerful, and you can put them (check the label!) in the dishwasher. Cork coasters are heatproof and won’t slip around. Whatever they’re made of, coasters may have a cork backing to prevent them sliding.
Is size an issue? Have a look at the diameter of your largest mugs or glasses and make sure the coasters you have your heart set on are big enough to accommodate them. What shape do you want? Traditionally, coasters were round to match the bottom of your cup but these days square shapes are giving their round friends a run for their money. Most coasters come in sets of four (or more) but you can also buy them as singles and build your own bespoke collection.
How to use a coaster
Just put your drink on it. Not next to it, on it. And remember, cork side down. If you are alone at a bar, it’s customary to place a second coaster on top of your drink if you need to step away from it, so that the bartender knows it’s still being used and won’t clear it away. Covering your drink with a coaster might also be handy if you’re at a barbecue or picnic and don’t want to come back to something swimming in your prosecco.
Personalised coasters
Personalised coasters make great gifts for friends, family and colleagues. It’s a lovely way to celebrate a special occasion such as an engagement, wedding or housewarming, or just as a quirky little gift to brighten their day. Choose from a huge selection of personalised coasters at Hardtofind, customised with names, dates or messages that show you care. If you want to go that extra step, you can have drink coasters personalised with your own photos, which are guaranteed to raise a smile every time your giftee raises a glass! When searching for your personalised coasters at Hardtofind, check the ‘Can be personalised’ box in Special features for an instant curation.
Did you know…
Someone who collects coasters is called a tegestologist. If you are a dedicated tegestologist you can buy special binders to house your collection, so you can easily flick through to gaze at a particularly special one when the urge strikes. According to Guinness World Records, the person with the largest collection is Leo Pisker of Langenzersdorf, Austria. Leo has collected 152,860 different beer coasters from 192 countries to date. Before you roll your eyes, vintage coasters, featuring brands of beer, drinking establishments, special events and sports teams change hands for upwards of $6. So Leo is a millionaire on paper. Or cardboard.
So now you’re sold on the virtues of coasters! In these pages, you’ll find a selection of the best drink coasters Australia-wide, including wooden coasters, ceramic coasters and leather coasters. You’ll also discover a wide range of special pieces for every area of your home, curated under bedroom, bathroom accessories, office and study, garden and kitchen. You may even come across a coaster or two along the way.
