Drink coaster

A coaster on top of a beverage can also be used to show that a drink is not finished or to prevent contamination (usually from insects).

Coasters are not to be confused with bar mats, which are larger pieces of rubber or absorbent material that are used to protect countertops or floors and to limit the spread of spilled drinks.

The first coasters were designed for decanters or wine bottles so that they could be slid (or "coasted") around the dinner table after the servants had retired.

By the mid-twentieth century, drink coasters made in many materials and styles were manufactured for domestic use.

Tegestology is a term coined from Latin (teges "covering" or "mat", and etis) defined as the practice of collecting coasters, with practitioners known as tegestologists.

[6] A 1960 British Pathé News short shows comedy duo Morecambe and Wise as tegestologists.