Mug Season

Terrazza Mug by Park Designs

 Tis the season for a nice big mug for hot chocolate and marshmallows any time, soup for lunch, and a help me live again hot coffee morning. 

Yesterday's find at the thrift store is a thrilling one for me. A big mug like the one in the photo isn't easy to see on the shelf unless you frequent the shop a few times a week.

My other favorite place to shop for mugs is TJ Maxx. Their selection varies, but the prices, in the many years I've been shopping for mugs there, are reasonable. An average price (local Vermont store) is $5.00 US dollars. Shopping for stoneware mugs online can be over $50.00 US dollars with an average of thirtyish US dollars, not including the shipping costs.

Stoneware is my prefered mug. I believe, the higher kiln firing temperature makes a stronger mug. Not all mugs are labeled as to what they are made from. Shopping online, however, the mug description should always state the material, stoneware, earthenware, ceramic and such. 

Buying in person, I always lightly touch the rim and check for any dings. If the glaze doesn't completely cover the surface or is chipped to any degree, then I don't buy it. 
The ideal place to shop in person is a local potter's studio or retail shop. Shop local if possible. 
I only buy mugs that are pleasing to me. A company logo on a mug, unless it is a cool name, can be gently removed with hot water, soap, and very gentle light scratch off. Test the bottom to make sure the glaze doesn't come off. 

Enjoy your mug shopping!


Bennington Potters' Tankard Mug
I love that mug! A belly shape mug is a favorite because it keeps the beverage warmer longer. The Bennington Potter's Tankard Mug has a similar small opening with larger mug area. There is just something about the sturdy design that makes the Tankard Mug 12 ounce my favorite.

Not a sponsored post

Tis the Season to Shop Coffee Mugs
This blog's link post 12 September 2023
The September post is about linking to online nice mugs.

Comments

  1. I have a love for coffee mugs too. We have a variety of mugs from different places we visit here in NC. Your new one is perfect for me!! It is all about the handle and the lip of the coffee mug.
    Thanks for stopping by My Mind's Eye today.
    Hugs Cecilia

    ReplyDelete
  2. That is a really charming mug. What a great find. I love TJ Maxx, and haven't been there in so long. I think you're right about the stoneware taking the heat more. I should get one. I've seen them at the home shop in town, but haven't found one yet that I want to bring home. Enjoy your cute mug, it's perfect for the cold season. I love that picture, by the way, with the mug sitting next to the pumpkin. ; )

    ~Sheri

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hugs Celia
    That bridge you posted about is terrifying. lol

    The best shape mug to keep the beverage hot longer is the bell shape with the smaller opening. I call it the belly mug for the shape.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sheri,
    The mug and pumpkin are best buds. :)
    The pie pumpkin going into the oven today for soup, is on the counter behind it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I have two mugs which I use year round. Favourites for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Marie,
    Keeping favorite mugs safe year after year is a good skill.
    I notice my cabinet is getting crowded with mug room.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I go through periods where I have to just get rid of mugs one way or another. When I worked I would get countless mugs with television titles on them and just about anyone having a freebie had a mug. I finally took a bunch to the lake (and a bunch to goodwill) and others hold everything from garlic to pens to paintbrushes and all sorts of stuff. Trouble is, the ones I like I don't want to get rid of -- and I don't need another! But I do love them.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Jeanie,
    You've had a treasure chest of mugs!
    I box up some dishes for a while. A year later or so, take those out and put the others away. :)


    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi Kate,
    Good to find another author to read.
    Happy November!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Gorgeous mug ~

    Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Carol,
    I think the pattern is for a set of dishes, cute and cottagey.

    ReplyDelete
  12. There is nothing like a comfortable feeling mug in which to enjoy a cup of tea, salted caramel and pumpkin are current favorites, or better yet some hot chocolate with whipped cream on top vs. marshmallows.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Beatrice,
    Salted caramel sounds interesting.
    I will give that one a try.
    Have a wonderful week

    ReplyDelete
  14. Yes got my gramma mug out already! Janice

    ReplyDelete
  15. Janice,
    That's good news.
    I'm waiting for a cold and windy day to heap on marshmallows on the hot chocolate.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thank you for visiting. Polite comments are welcome. Note, you do not have to sign up to Atom.