Coasters may be the most underused functional accessories in the world. They are small and innocuous, and appear to have a very specific purpose, however their usefulness can actually multiply exponentially when you think of them creatively. It is important to use your imagination to fully see the possibilities that these pieces can offer you.

First, these coasters are functional for single people, but they are also important party accessories. When you invite people, one of the first standard things that polite society requires you to offer them is a drink. These drinks go in glasses, which people often leave on tables and other surfaces. This is the nightmare of a tidy home and can lead to having to throw out expensive parts just because you didn’t think ahead.

When hosting a party, it’s often a good idea to spread coasters all over the space, leaving them in assorted places for them to be seen and easily used by guests later. This will save you the worry of caring for your furniture and the hassle of handing over coasters with admonishing looks to your friends and family.

Another use for coasters that is often unexpected is as an ashtray. Smokers generate a large amount of waste from their cigarettes. If you don’t have ashtrays to fit in with this habit, it’s easy enough to slide a coaster under that rubble, as long as it’s not flammable. This can protect possessions from even the most careless of friends.

Another reason to have coasters scattered all over the place is because they can be used as little trash receptacles. A lot of waste can be generated in a party situation. These are usually small debris, gum wrappers, and toothpicks; pieces of food or treats that are simply not edible. The coasters, scattered throughout the house, can collect these pieces of trash and act as small receptacles and buckets to store them until their contents can be deposited in an appropriate place.

The roller coaster is versatile and you shouldn’t discount it. It has many more uses than you might expect, and it can help you in countless ways. Think creatively and you will see that they are truly gatekeepers, protecting your home from debris and clutter.