What is a Coaster? What and where is it used?

Koster (Coaster) (beverage stand) — is a small, usually flat object used to protect surfaces from stains or damage that can cause beverage glasses. They are made of a variety of materials such as paper, wood, ceramics, metal, cork or plastic, and are often decorated with decorative designs or logos (advertising). Costers can have different shapes and sizes, but the most common — are round or square.

These stands not only protect the furniture from temperature and moisture, but can also serve as a decorative element on the table or become part of the collection. In bars and restaurants, they are often used to promote beverage brands. That is, beer coasters usually have a beer brand logo/advertisement in bars. The concept of a koster as a stand for drinks appeared in the 19th century in Germany. The idea was to create a practical item to protect surfaces from stains and damage that can be left by dishes with drinks.

Birdekel <TAG1> is a German term for beer stands that is synonymous with the word "basket". The inventor of the specific name "koster" is not documented, as the concept has gradually evolved and become popular in many cultures with different modifications and materials. The etymology of the word birdekel indicates that it was most likely originally a lid on a beer mug.

Tegestology <TAG1> is a hobby that consists in collecting costers, drink stands. Collectors known as tegestologists collect costers from various institutions, countries, and events, often focusing on the uniqueness or rarity of the items. This hobby may also include the study of history and culture through advertising and coster design. Collections may reflect the collector's personal interests or follow specific themes, such as beer bonfires or bonfires from specific geographic regions. I don't have a birdiekel (a beer glass case) at hand at the moment. To illustrate the decorative coster, I added a photo of wicker and wooden costers that I use for coffee.