Drink Coasters and Why We Use Them

Written by
Kyle Sherman
Published on
November 3, 2021 at 8:00:00 AM PDT November 3, 2021 at 8:00:00 AM PDTrd, November 3, 2021 at 8:00:00 AM PDT

No one likes water rings on their coffee table.

Drink coasters are those (usually) square items placed under beverages. Also called a coaster, beverage coaster or beermat, they protect the furniture’s surface from moisture that could ruin the finish.


The name “coaster” dates to 1887, when families used tabletop drink stands at the dinner table. They were also called “round trays for a decanter” because they “coasted” around the perimeter of the table to each guest in turn after dinner.


However, no one likes to follow guests around slipping drink coasters under their glasses, either. What’s a hostess to do? She could cover furniture surfaces with table runners or over-sized mats. They’ll do the same thing. Yet, if she buys a lot of coasters that are big enough to accommodate even her largest glasses and puts them everywhere … she may have something there. Here are five reasons why.


1. Drink coasters give guests permission to set down a drink glass – who wants to carry around their drink glass all night at a party? Having access to all those drink coasters lets you put your glass down and be respectful of your hostess’s furniture at the same time.

2. Drink coasters are great conversation starters – sharing coasters with guests who need them will give the hostess an excuse to connect with her guests while helping to protect her valuable dining room table, coffee table, hutch, shelving – even stairs.

3. Drink coasters are collectible – do you know that people who collect beer coasters are called tegestologists? It’s true! There’s always someone out there looking for that unique collectible, why not drink coasters?

4. Drink coasters are a great medium to express creativity – their two-sided square smallness is just the thing to display a great quote or piece of artwork or picture image.

5. Drink coasters make great gifts for any occasion – especially dinner parties, we think!


Personalize Drink Coasters for Custom Gifts at PlaqueMaker

Our personalized drink coasters are the perfect gift for a housewarming, anniversaries, birthdays, parties or any occasion! Our eco-friendly Bamboo Coaster Set comes with four coasters in a decorative holding case. Or choose a set of four granite coasters with rubber feet. Either coaster set can be laser engraved. Include names, quotes or special message, as well as a photo or clip art.