Coffee after Dinner?

It's a common trend to serve coffee after the dessert course, but why? Coffee wakes one up--just the smell alone is more effective than the caffeine, which doesn't kick in until hours after. Is it to wake you up before you drive home from the party?

In any case, I only drink coffee as a treat, so I usually partake after dessert. For instance, after pumpkin pie tonight! Delicious coffee.

 Image: Chase and Sanborn Coffee Ad courtesy of Anastasia

If only I had this adorable dress to wear whilst drinking it!

♥ Shannon