Design Hunter's Journal

I just purchased a Kati Cup made by Tea Forte for my morning coffee and I couldn’t be more pleased. The beautiful lotus flower image on a background of celadon green is a treat to see every morning. And, unlike my taller thermos mug, it fits nicely under my Keurig coffee maker spout!

Technically this is a tea mug, but it had all the features I was looking for. The mug is double-walled for extra insulation. I wasn’t sure how I would react to a mug without a handle, but so far, so good. Because it is double-walled, the outside doesn’t get too hot. The cover also helps to keep the beverage warm.

It is also the perfect size, 12 oz. I simply can’t drink more than that at one sitting. Also, it is dishwasher and microwave-safe.

These mugs are available in many different colors and patterns. And… you can buy them as gift sets with coordinating assortments of teas!! I really want to give these as gifts to all my friends.

This mug isn’t handmade, but the lovely design and practical features make it ideal for what I need. During my search for coffee mugs, I discovered several standouts that I just have to include:

Best Mug for Gifting

For sheer beauty, you can’t go wrong with these handmade coffee mugs from the artisans of Lebid Ceramics on Etsy.

The design symbolizes the blue sky and wheat fields of Ukraine. I have featured the work of this Ukrainian company before, because their designs are so stunning! These handmade mugs are dishwasher and microwave-safe, and available in 14oz. and 16oz. sizes.

Best Arts & Crafts Style Mug

This mug has been in my Favorites folder for a long time. I love the vibrant shade of orange-red paired with the pale green leaves!

I am a huge admirer of the Arts & Crafts style, and this mug is such a great example. Made in the solar-powered studio of Cindy & James Searles of Occidental, CA.

Best Botanical-themed Mug

Two small sprigs of lavender are just right for a minimalist aesthetic. These mugs hold about 10-12 oz. and have a tendency to sell out, so get them while they are available! Made by Sachisunnycreation of Seattle, WA.

Since coffee is an obsession of mine, I will continue to discover more amazing coffee mugs and alert you to them in a future post!

-Louise Hunter Burton