The word "coaster" derives from the after-dinner custom of passing the port or brandy bottle or decanter around the table after removing the tablecloth and before serving dessert, in order to protect the table. The first bottle holders appeared in around 1760 and were often made by craftsmen specialised in the manufacture of baskets and cruet stands. They were generally made in pairs or groups of four (sometimes more) and had 4-5 cm high perforated sides.