Monday 7 October 2013

The great big cup debate......





I was on the phone to my dad the other day. He and my mum are having a new kitchen put in. We were just having a chat about the progress and he explains what an upheaval it all is, having to clear out all the cupboards.

"And can you believe", he exclaims, "we counted that we have 88 cups". "Eighty Eight cups! Have you heard of anything more ridiculous?"

I think at this point, he expected me to raise my voice in utter astonishment and disbelief that they should have so many.

ERRRRRRR NO!

"That's not that many" I churp back at him. 

I told him, that were I to count all my cups that I have in the house, I could beat them hands down on that score, and that, I'm sure my mum would concur, different cups suit different drinks.

He thought this was utter tosh, and that one cup was enough for one person day in and day out!

I think it's maybe a bloke thing. I'm not sure.

I thought about my little cup love. I really do love to have different drinks in different cups. Actually, a cup can make or break a drink in my opinion! Sounds a bit mad, but a drinking experience is quite an important one for me.

I like my hot drinks HOT. I LOATHE luke warm tea and coffee. My favourite cups are ones that are a good size, not too huge, so they get cold before I have finished. They have to be thin too so that they don't cool the drink down too quickly. Chunky stoneware cups I steer clear of. I only buy those for the males in the house to drink from. Finding the prefect cup for the perfect drink is one that excites me. It probably tells me how sad my life is! ha ha! But it's so true!

 I have been happy at finding my spotty little cup and saucer. Perfect for my morning tea or coffee. It's a really good size.....and it has a saucer. I do like a cup and saucer. It's not too thick, and its spottiness brings happy thoughts to my head.

I did spot a cup in a DIY store the other week. I hummmed and ahhhhed over it. I picked it up and held it in my hands. It looked very pleasing to the eye. It was all mis-shapen, like it was just slapped down on a potters wheel. It was a good size, bigger than average, perfect for me. And it was thin, it was going to keep the drinks nice and hot. Best of all, it was in one of my most favourite shades. 

It was indeed, the most perfect cup.



I did hear a wafting of a voice asking if I actually needed another cup, but it was destined to be mine!

I was not disappointed. It really is the perfect cup for me, and has been making my drinking experience a very pleasurable one.

Anyone else like me?

I spoke to a friend too on this cup debate, and she thought that it must be a family obsession passed down. However, she did contact me again a little later to say that she had been amazed to realise just how many cups she owned when she actually counted them!

Who knew a cup could be such an appealing thing!

XXX


47 comments:

  1. My mum can only drink tea out of china. She has her own cup at our house. She also likes tea out of a tea pot so we have one as well even though we don't drink tea. She takes her cup on holiday with her as well. Different cups have different memories that go with them. If I'm not well I love a hot drink in a big mug I can hug. It warms your hands and is comforting.

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  2. Love this post. I had the same revelation when I moved home last year. I totally agree with you about different cups for different drinks. I have a big mug for hot chocolate (and marshmallows, obviously), many middle size day to day mugs for tea/coffee/honey and lemon - not so big that there is too much to drink while it's still hot or too small so you don't get enough, and a smaller mug for a milky drink before bed (anything too big means needing the toilet in the night so not a wise move). I have a fair few mugs in each size, plus the standard size mugs for guests, I don't like to give other people MY mug, that probably is a bit 'crazy mug lady'ish. I'm going to have to count them later I think. x

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  3. Haha! I think I have a similar obsession with bowls! I seem to have little piles of bowls stacked up all around my kitchen and I like to use different ones for different things and I can't resist buying more! Come to think of it, I think I have a fair few cups as well! Maybe it is just a general love for crockery, I do agree with you, they make me happier so they serve a good purpose, and they all get used for parties.
    Jules xx PS. gorgeous piccies as usual!

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  4. I might not have the same number of cups and mugs, but I definitely have different ones for different drinks and times of the day! And I don't share! :)
    x

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  5. Ha ha thats funny!
    however (ahem...) I do have a few 'rules' myself...Tea should always be drunk from a finer porcelain mug than coffee which can be slightly thicker but not too thick and should also be slightly larger tan my tea mug or cup...obviously not just you then..???
    bestest wishes
    Daisy j x

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  6. Completely agree, and I thought it was just me!! My son always asks "which cup" before making tea for me (I am lucky to have such a son). I agree with different bowls/dishes/plates for certain foods etc.
    Cups have to be china as I have little hands and pottery mugs are too big and heavy, even if they are the pretty spotty and stripey patterns I like.
    You are a marvellous photographer and stylist.
    x

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  7. it might sound a bit sadooo to some to have a bit of a cup/mug obsession. but i do get great JOY from opening my dresser doors and choooooosing that 'one' special cup for the mornings milky coffee... i dont think i could beat 88 cups... but i must have 50~60 at least?...my Mother gave me quite a few when my gramps died~ my Nanny must of had more than 20 whole tea sets~ only used for best.
    but i think your best should be used every day not hidden and saved for a rainy day ;0)xx

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  8. I could not agree with you more - there's so much more to a cup than it just being something you have your tea in !!! I'm glad I'm not the only mad cup woman around !
    Kate

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  9. Oh definitely! To enjoy a cup of tea, I must have it from bone china (mug or cup) and the men here need something far chunkier, and there are just so many lovely cups to be had :) xx

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  10. I drink tea and although I like a mug in the morning I have to have a proper cup and saucer in the afternoon. A bone china one.

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  11. As others have said, tea must be taken from a bone china vessel, a large mug for preference, of which I have two. I am like Jules, lots and lots of bowls...

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  12. Firstly its soooooo lovely to stumble upon your blog updates again, I pop over from time to time and found a recent update from you, yey you were blogging again which takes me onto this post.

    I remember thinking yey your back and leaving the computer to go and look in the cupboard trying to choose what mug for my tea would be perfet to sit and read your blog post, so I do have a mug addiction it makes such a difference to the taste and what I maybe doing.

    If I do some art I need a mug to inspire me, I have a mug I seem to go for when I feel a bit fed up and overwhelmed!!
    I do share your addiction!!!!

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  13. Ohhh this post makes me smile.... I am a bit like this with my cups too. I only drink two or maximum three teas a day and no coffee so the moments when I have my cuppas are sacred and I love the tea to be perfectly made in the perfect cup. Whenever I am having a tea in a cafe etc it never tastes the same.... perhaps I am a bit too particular about how I like it..... mind you, I do love going to the "original maids of honour" for great tea in nice china....
    I use some cups for guests, my nan's retro coffee set for espressos, I have mugs for builders, I never give them girly cups...(he)
    I love CK old style mugs as they are great to hold onto and get warm whilst you read or watch a film or catch up with blogs.. For some reason I don't like the shape of the new CK mugs......
    I cannot stand drinking tea from a carton/plastic cup......
    Ohhh I guess I'm mad but then potters would be out of a job if it weren't for nutters like me....:-)))
    Have a lovely day!! It's lovely and autumny in London, Pati x

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  14. A hot drink is to be savoured and the enjoyment is all in the cup. I'm with you on this, I don't like cups that have a thick lip, so to speak. And I also feel a cup of tea is only best if a teapot is used. I can't stand a tea bag in a cup

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  15. I find my mood determines which mug I use, I have a big one that I use quite a lot for tea and instant coffee and two slightly more delicate ones, one with cupcakes and one with campervans, for coffee... but only for proper coffee from the machine. I also have a couple of other mugs that are good only for tea. But beyond anything else they are all selectedby which mug will make me happiest on a given day (this sometimes makes the 'tea or coffee' decision for me)

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  16. A cuppa is the only indulgence, small as it is, that busy mums enjoy daily. I am with you in that you have to enjoy it, drinking vessel and all, to the max!!

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  17. I have lots of cups in my cupboards here in JK and back in Italy, so just imagine the amount!!!! ;oD
    xxxxxx Ale

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  18. I so hear you...in every word. I thought maybe I was reading a post about me! I have a cup obsession too. I love a decent, pretty cup. I have a few "favorites" that I drink out of. It just makes it so much more pleasant to drink a cup of coffee out of a cup that feels good in your hands! It must be a "curlable" cup for me. My hand must be able to fit snugly around the handle and cup. oohhh....so nice!

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  19. Yep def a fellow addict, my family think its hilarious, some of my friends understand....actually only one, most find it strange that I'm not content with a whopping big chunky mug (really!!!!!!!) cups must be pretty my rule no 1
    My fav is a china cup & saucer (also thin) followed closely by a mug I bought in a supermarket recently, real cute too.
    Must count my cups.....I'm actually intriqued as to the number now :)
    Great post
    Karen x

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  20. I love that perspective because you can never have too many things that you LOVE :)

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  21. Yes I too have a fair few cups. I laughed when I saw my sister-in-laws cupboard of cups and even took a photo. Who has that many cups I asked her. Obviously I do, as I discovered when clearing my kitchen cupboards. I won't laugh at her again and my daughter took great delight in sending her a picture of all ours :)
    Sally xxx

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  22. I have such a mug/cup addiction too. Every time I think I might have satiated my need - I spot another cup with the perfect colour/pattern/shape!! Unfortunately/fortunately (depends which way you look at it!) my boyfriend seems to have a bit of a mug obsession too... which really means there is no-one to hold either of us back! Ah well, if it brings you a bit of happiness, then what's the harm...
    Maria x

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  23. 'That's not that many', lol, I'll remember that, it might come handy for me one day. ;-)
    Yes, I do like a beautiful cup, and even more so when photographed by you.
    Have a nice evening! xhaafner

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  24. I've had so many friends/relatives not "get" that the cup need not be huge or weigh a ton.
    I'm afraid I even have specific cups for different teas.
    Example: Wonder Woman Cup = Morning Thunder

    Great find on your new perfect cup!

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  25. If I remember correctly, I think I had two large reuseable tesco carrier bags (the big blue ones) filled with cups/mugs alone when I moved home from uni three years ago, and I've amassed more since. I almost dread moving again some day as I own a shocking amount of crockery! But you're right, different cups suit different moods and drinks, not to mention they can look pretty on display.

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  26. Hi, I have the perfect solution for this. I work on projects in the City and always take my own cup/mug with me. When the contract comes to an end, I leave the mug/cup behind. I can salve my conscience that I have done a charitable deed and can justify the purchase of a replacement!.......P.S Love your blog,

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  27. I detest hot drinks that are not hot too! I tend to agree that certain cups can make the experience of the drinking more enjoyable but I do limit it to a certain few. I love your new cup!

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  28. Aaaah, it's not so easy for me to say all this in english, but at least I try to.... it's absolutely true, you need different cups for different occasions and different drinks and men will never understand this, but my biggest problem are the bowls (is it called bowls, the small ones for things like muesli?), I have tons of them and anytime I see a new model, I think this is the perfect one for soup, fruit salad or whatever and buy it. Is this normal? Are we all obsessed?
    I always love reading your posts and your wonderful pics, too!
    xxx Karin

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  29. I know exactly what you mean, I have different cups for different drinks and different times of day. It drives me nuts if someone uses my evening soya milk cup for example... I think cups are things that quietly sneak into cupboards when no-one is looking. Suddenly you run out of room and realise that you have eighty.

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  30. Ha ha I thought it was just our house that had the cup thing going on! All of us have special cups and cups for certain drinks and cups for certain times if day. Even my boys are afflicted in the same way LOL! I'm currently enjoying a delicious camomile tea in my lovely Dunoon mug. x

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  31. Oh I'm so with you on cups. I even have the same cup in different colours that I use according to my mood, which I've found depends on the weather in the morning!!!! I too hate 'thick' cups and love a cup and saucer - with a little teapot too, of course. I'm going to have to count my cups now - even those I haven't used for years and live at the back of the cupboards!

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  32. Maybe it's a girl thing......reading your post and comments I can only add "me too"!!! I have to have coffee in earthenware mugs or cups but earl grey tea in bone china! I will even secretly pour it out of one cup into the right type of cup if hubby gets it wrong! Oh dear how sad! But I'm so glad to hear I am not alone!
    I darent count ours..........
    Gill xx

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  33. I totally get you!! :) My pattern seems to be that about every 6 months I get the feeling that I need a change in cup for my tea. I tend towards the larger ones, but not huge. Right now I have probably my most favorite ever!! Although, I will probably say that in about 6 months about the next one!! lol!!!! Thank you so much for sharing this, it's nice to know I'm not alone!!

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  34. Love your new cup ............ you can never have too many !

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  35. I'm completely with you on having the right cup - they're a small and fairly cheap luxury. There's nothing nicer than opening the cupboard door and viewing an array of pretty cups in different colours, patterns and styles. I also love to buy cups and mugs and am getting to the stage where I feel I have to stop myself. I've been looking with envy at the Pip studio expresso cups recently but know that I don't really need them!

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  36. Yes, yes, me too! I love mugs and cups! I purchased a very pretty raspberry pink and gold German teacup which dates back to the 1940s and I told my husband that I would like to build up a collection (not very original but still) and he looked at me in wonder and, tongue in cheeck said 'and I suppose you'd like to have a dresser to display them all in?'

    'Absolutely!' I retorted! You should have seen the look of disbelief on his face.

    He'll go along with it. He always does ;-)

    Stephanie

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  37. I agree with you wholeheartedly, one can NEVER have too many cups. I love to use different cups to suit different moods. It is my little thing along with pretty vintage china. xoxo

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  38. I love cups and mugs too. I have loads of them but I have special ones that are mine alone and nobody but nobody is allowed to use them. If I see a perfect cup or mug I will buy it regardless of whether I need another one. I think it's very, very important to have the right cup for the right beverage. My sister bought me a lovely new mug for my birthday, she knows me so well!
    It goes without saying this is (in my book anyway) a very normal practice and the people that don't buy cups and mugs are probably a bit strange lol!
    xx

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  39. Oh, yes!! The drinking vessel is important. For me it is a great big cup for my morning coffee. I only drink one cup in the morning and it must be large, because for some reason, if I go back for a second cup of coffee it just doesn't taste the same as the first! I love pretty cups for tea, usually mugs. I collect vintage restaurant-ware cups to float individual flowers in, and vintage cocktail glasses for COCKTAILS. They look so much prettier in a jazzy, gold-rimmed glass. I love ice-tea in a tall, colorful vintage glass.... Oh, my.... I have it bad. I could keep going! I feel similarly about bowls. I love bowls!

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  40. Oh I couldn't agree with you more.....coffee from certain cups, different cups for different times of the day....tea from other cups.....wine from proper wine glasses.....can't stand lukewarm tea or coffee.....and I don't like thick, heavy, chunky cups/mugs/glasses either....I once had a big ding dong with my best friend because she bought me wine, not in a wine glass, but in a short dumpy glass tumbler....and I love the colour of your new mug.....perfect -xx-

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  41. Ah yes we're cup fiends here too! I often say to my husband 'that's it! no more cups,' and he laughs and buys more, and so do I. There is a 'top shelf' of forgotten, unused mugs, the kind that rarely get used but were wedding presents and such so I feel I can't throw away. I HAVE to have my morning cuppa in my spotty green mug, or my Emma Bridgewater royal baby mug. I counted TEN Cath Kidston crush mugs, but they're too big so tea is never the right temperature, though I like my saturday coffee from it. I'm so glad I'm not the only mug fanatic!

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  42. Hahaha I think you hit a nerve! Everyone loves their cups!. My husband just bought me 4 new mugs for my birthday. I have more cups than shoes. Great post : )

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  43. Hmmm, I have no set rules but I most certainly know what sort of cup makes me happy! And when I see one, so difficult to pass by even though we have cupboards overflowing with various cups. I have an urge to go and count how many we have... and maybe give the cupboards the clean that they so need at the same time! So, thank you!

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  44. I absolutely agree with different cups for different drinks, people and occasions! Some times I'm in a china mood, sometimes a stone wear one. I have to have my morning coffee in one of my Emma Bridgwater mugs and evening coffee in one of my china ones. I have two for work, again morning and afternoon! A really fun post to read, thank you!

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  45. You can never have too many cups for sure! I am 'guilty' of having quite a few myself. And not just cups, but jugs ('my one and only weakness'... as if!) A few years ago I had two young nieces stay with us for a couple of days, and to keep themselves entertained they invented a game of counting my various 'collections' (jugs, flowerpots, cushions, books etc.) I still remember one of the girls looking at me and with a stern voice uttering "really Mia, 50 (something) jugs...!!!?" Guess who was a bit ashamed then...?

    Thank you, Vanessa, for your lovely comments in my blog lately. Always lovely to see you have stopped by and left kind words for me to read. I am also glad you decided to return to blogging, as (in my mind) no other type of social media can really replace it. And I do love yours, as I do love your creativity. Truly inspiring!

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  46. I totally agree with you - we have lots of mugs/cups and my husband feels horror when I buy yet another one to add to my collection!!

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  47. My partner says "20 is enough" so I suppose that's not bad but it's definitely a male thing, they don't get it at all ;-)

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