Finds No. 3. Made for the cup you share before bed.

There is something about holding a cup that someone shaped by hand. No two are quite alike, they sit differently in your palm, and they turn a nightly habit into a small ceremony. A pair of hand-thrown cups, one for each of you, is one of the loveliest things a home can own.

What to look for

• Weight and warmth. Stoneware holds heat well and feels substantial. Porcelain is lighter and more delicate.
• A glazed interior. Easy to clean and it won’t take on flavours.
• A pair that belongs together, not a matched set. Complementary glazes or slightly different shapes make each cup personal.
• A comfortable size. Around 200 to 250 ml is perfect for an evening cup without going cold before you finish.
• Who made them. Many independent potters sell directly and will tell you the story of each piece.

Care

Check whether your potter recommends hand-washing. Many handmade glazes last longest that way. Warm the cups with a splash of hot water before pouring, just as you warm the pot.

Why we love it

It’s a gift that says “our evenings matter”. For a wedding, an anniversary or a new home, few presents get used so often or so happily.

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Photo: public domain, via Wikimedia Commons and the Digital Public Library of America.