Red Sandalwood Coaster: Heat-Insulating Carved Wood Mat

It is carved from red sandalwood, and the grain runs through the piece. Each coaster is hand-carved, so the petal edges and grain vary a little from one to the next. Solid carved wood costs more than a cork pad, but one piece replaces the cork coasters that curl and stain.

The five petals sit neatly under teacups, mugs and small plates. A tall mug or a wide teapot can overhang the edge, so check the base of your vessel against the petal shape before you order. If you are building a set, a tea set with cups pairs well with it.

The wood insulates the tabletop from hot cups, so the table underneath stays protected. Wipe up spills at once and let the coaster air dry. Keep it out of standing water and out of the sink or dishwasher. It is not a trivet for pots that come straight off the stove.

Wipe it with a dry cloth or one that is only lightly damp, then dry it fully. Stacking it while it is still damp traps moisture in the grain, so let it dry first.

Yes. It suits a Mid-Autumn gift, a thank-you or a tea set present. It is compact, easy to wrap, and it looks finished on a tray beside a pot.