Do you need a bierfilzl? Maybe not, but you’ll surely love these felt coasters

Do I need some bierfilzl? Probably not. But I’m loving the thick German felt wine coasters from the local Los Angeles company Gräf & Lantz, which specializes in well-designed felt objects such as iPad sleeves and eyeglass cases.

According to their website, “As traditionally used for beer mugs in Bavarian taverns until late 19th century, felt coasters are functional, durable and sure to protect your table.�

When a friend serves me tea, she always places one of these thick felt coasters beneath the cup. Who knew that they were originally intended for beer? Gräf & Lantz point out that “to this day Bavarians call coasters of all kinds ‘bierfilzl’ (beer felt).

I just love saying that name bierfilzl, as in, “Could I give you a bierfilzl for your obscure Belgian ale?�

Sets of four Bierfilzl Coasters made of heavy-duty 5-millimeter thick wool felt in either square or round shapes come in colors such as fuchsia, pistachio, orange, cobalt, turquoise, pale grey and heathered white, and cost $24. Available at Venokado in West Hollywood and Santa Monica, OK on W. 3rd Street in Los Angeles and Silver Lake, and at Plastica on W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles.

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