The holiday season is finally over, the Champaign has been toasted, the gifts have been opened, and now you realize that the final gift of all is a gigantic mess that you now somehow have to deal with. As you look around, you notice unsightly glass rings in your table tops, ashes scattered from random smokers, and the scratch marks that are dug deep and unforgiving into your hardwood possessions.

Suddenly you realize, this mess didn't have to be so bad. If only you had made the effort, gone out, and purchased a set of drink coasters!

The coaster is an extraordinarily versatile object that is often overlooked when decorating a home. It is not only a barrier against moisture stains that arise from sweaty glasses, it can also act as an ashtray, a small garbage receptacle, a can opener, or a cutting board, while also working to effectively draw together your entire homes appearance.

Certain coasters will be more versatile than others. A flimsy cork or paper beverage coaster will do little more than soak up sweat. Harder stone coasters, such as marble or absorbent sandstone pieces are much more substantial, and provide a much wider range of possibilities. The strength and solid surface nature gives you a tiny portable table that is relatively impervious to hard. However when doing cutting, scraping, or cleansing functions, even more durable coasters such as hard plastic or even stainless steal pieces will be more effective.

The great thing about drink coasters is that they have all of this great functionality, but they also can add beauty and personality to a space. By spreading matched sets of coasters in your home, you can tie together the entire theme of the space.

Moreen Torpy is the De-Clutter Coach, a Trained Professional Organizer, Author, and Speaker. Let's Get Organized: 172 tiplets to simplify life is her first published work. See http://www.decluttercoach.ca to subscribe to Let's Get Organized, her monthly e-zine and purchase the booklet.