How to choose a ceramic mug you will love

A mug is the thing you hold every day, so it is worth choosing well. The right one feels good in your hand, keeps your drink warm long enough and looks lovely on the bench. Here is what to look for.

Size: why 11oz works for most people

11oz is about 325 ml. It holds a generous cup of tea or a flat white without being so big that the drink goes cold. If you like a very large drink, a bigger mug may suit, but for most daily tea an 11oz mug is the sweet spot. All of our mugs are 11oz.

Handle: check the grip

A good handle fits a few fingers comfortably and does not pinch. A larger loop is easier for people with larger hands or those who like to wrap a thumb through. Our mugs have a comfortable, classic handle designed for everyday use.

Finish: glossy or matte

Glossy glazes are easy to clean and hold colour well, and they show off a print. Our mugs have a glossy finish, which makes the botanical drawings look crisp.

Colour: pick for the room, not the trend

Choose a colour you will still like in a year. Soft colours tend to sit well in most kitchens:

• White: crisp and classic, lets the artwork stand out.
• Blush pink: warm and gentle.
• Sage green: calm and natural, matches plants and timber.
• Powder blue: fresh and coastal.
• Butter yellow: sunny without being loud.

If you are buying a gift, think about the room or the person's favourite colour. When in doubt, white or sage is a safe choice.

Design: what is on it

The Tea Time mug has a botanical wreath of banksia and eucalyptus around the words Tea Time. The Gum Blossom mug has a single sprig of gum blossom and eucalyptus leaves in dusty sage and coral pink. Both are drawn by hand.

Care

Our mugs are dishwasher and microwave safe. Hand washing keeps the print looking its best for longest, and you should avoid abrasive scourers on the printed area. Let a very hot mug cool for a moment before cold water touches it. The full details are in our care guide.

Choosing a mug as a gift

A mug is one of the easiest gifts to get right. Pair it with something small, such as a pot of loose leaf tea or a tote. Our guide to gifts for tea lovers has more combinations, and gifts under A$50 shows the price range. A mug also makes a good add-on to a framed print for a housewarming or Mother's Day.

Building a morning

A good mug is the start of a ritual. If you want ideas for making the first cup of the day a small pleasure, read our slow morning tea ritual guide. For the full range, browse mugs and totes or the tea lover gifts collection.

How to order

Mugs are printed to order in Australia. Production takes 3 to 7 business days and delivery 2 to 5 business days. Shipping is a flat A$12.95, free over A$150. Order at least two weeks before a birthday or occasion.

Mug questions we hear

Many people ask whether a bigger mug is better. It depends on how fast you drink. If your tea goes cold, choose a smaller cup, and if you refill often, a larger mug is handy. Another question is whether a printed mug will fade. Hand washing keeps the print looking its best, though dishwashers are fine for ours.

Building a set

If you like to collect, choose three colours that suit your kitchen and mix the two designs. For a gift, two mugs in different colours feel more personal than a matching pair, because each person can claim a favourite.