The little cup with grapes wearing boots is very easy to choose on looks alone. We understand the appeal. But if you're hoping to put a large milky coffee in it, the size is going to matter before the grapes do.
Our cups range from a small Aubade Demitasse to hand-painted cafecito cups and Porcelain “Paper” Cups in two sizes. It helps to picture the drink first, then find the shape you'd like to hold.
How small is a demitasse?
The Aubade is approximately 3–4 ounces, about 2.5 inches across and 2.5 inches tall. That puts it firmly in small-coffee territory. Its satin purple glaze has lilac highlights and speckled blue undertones, so there's quite a bit to look at on a little object.
Howdy's Grapes in Boots and Orange in Boots cups hold approximately 6 ounces. The Strawberry Coffee Mug is approximately 6.5 ounces. They're larger than the demitasse, though still worth measuring against the amount you actually make. “Mug” covers quite a range.
Our porcelain cups come in 6 and 10 ounce versions. If you like the paper-cup shape, that's a way to choose it in a size closer to your usual pour.
The cup you already have is a useful measuring tool
Fill a familiar cup to the level you normally use, then pour that into a measuring jug. Leave your usual bit of room at the top. That amount is a more useful starting point than guessing from a product photo, especially when milk is part of the drink.
Capacity is only one measurement. A low, wide cup and a tall, narrow cup can hold a similar amount and still feel quite different in your hand or on a shelf. If the cup needs to fit beneath your coffee machine, measure that space, too.
A handle, or something to wrap your hands around?
The Classic Mug has a handle; the Rimmed Cup takes another shape. Look closely at the opening in a handle as well as the cup's body. Someone who likes to put several fingers through a handle may be looking for a different form from someone who holds the cup itself.
The porcelain paper-cup shape is a playful one, but the material is ceramic and breakable. Its smaller size doesn't make it suitable for every child. Follow the maker's guidance for the particular piece and the person using it.
Does it need a saucer?
A cup by itself can make a lovely gift. If you'd like to add something underneath it, the Citreum Saucer is approximately 5 inches across, and the Half & Half Coaster is just over 4 inches across. Compare the cup's base with the usable resting area; matching colors don't necessarily mean two pieces fit together.
You can build out a small table setting from there with cloth napkins or a tray or low bowl. We'd keep the cup's purpose in view as you add things. The person who wants one good little coffee cup may be very happy with exactly that.
A note on handmade finishes and care
Glazes and hand-painted details vary from piece to piece. The Aubade's maker, Luvhaus, allows microwave and dishwasher use; use each other maker's own care instructions for their ceramics. One potter's directions don't automatically apply to everything on the shelf.
For more ideas around a cup, our gift guide brings together things for the table and the rest of the house. Or stay with the grapes in boots, now that you know how much coffee they'll hold.
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