You know the old-timey pseudoscience of phrenology, which claimed that the lumps and bumps on a person's skull could predict his personality? While that 19th century practice is obviously claptrap, balderdash, and hooey, I've got my own working theory of armchair psychology that involves something we can all rally behind: coffee. You see, I'm convinced that you can tell a lot about someone by looking in their cupboards at their mug collection.
Hear me out. In my case, I think of myself as creative but I'm at my best when I'm working within a preestablished structure. Hence, my mugs are a mix of quirky shapes and designs, but they're all the exact same shade of off-white. My mom, on the other hand, is a research scientist who is driven by the thrill of discovery, and her cabinets are overflowing with one-of-a-kind cups that she brings home from her travels. They span the spectrum from small delicate to sturdy and oversized—and each has its own unique personality and a story to go with it.
Obviously I posit my "findings" with the same seriousness that I'd take a Cosmo magazine quiz, but it's fun to think about, huh? Is your collection a hodgepodge of garage sale finds, an outlet for your eclectic sensibility? Or is it ordered, uniform, a calming contribution to your morning routine? Do you fancy a bistro-inspired espresso cup for a daily mini escape to Europe, or are you staunchly all-American with a utilitarian tin camping mug? Do you want your mug to inspire you with a quote or amuse you with a crazy cat lady joke? Tell me please! I want to know if my theory holds water…errr, coffee!
Shopping Guide: 1. Crinkle Ceramic Cup 2. You Rock Mug 3. Owl Mug 4. There's a Chance This Is Vodka Mug 5. Mount Washington Pottery Hug Mug 6. Fishs Eddy Cat Mug 7. Bistro Stripe Mug 8. Anchor Enamelware Mug Images: 1. 2. 3. 4.
all of my mugs are matching plain white crate&barrel mugs. all sitting in a perfect pyramid in the kitchen cabinet. i’m one of those weirdly organized people so i guess it fits!
Literally all of my coffee mugs I have stolen from former room mates or inherited so I don’t know what that says about me…
What a fun theory! I either drink decaf Nescafe with coconut milk (paleo) or decaf soy latte if I’m out. At home, my mugs are either white/blue (I used to collect them) or two big white ones from Starbucks (souvenir). I normally prefer big and thick mugs, like the Starbuck ones, except for this one thin, but large, porcelain mug bought at a craft fair. I work in sales/marketing/strategy. What does this say about me? That there’s always an exception to the rule and I drink weird coffee?!?
Currently drinking from the ‘ I Rock.’ Mug as I read this. Ha!Ha! So what does this ya about me? It was a gift.
I like more ‘exotic’ cups( dark colors, moroccan style) but like matching ones too( actually a big dilemma of mine: I love when non matching items match, very hard to accomplish). Oh and I am a reasearch scientist btw. Hope it helps your little study.
Just wanted to add that I currently do not own any Moroccan style cup( wish) and all my non matching cups have a story as well. I love the thin frail ones but could never buy them, prefer holding the chunky solid ones. Lots of contradiction.
Does the theory hold true for teacups as well? My blog is centered around tea time, so I buy a lot of teacups and mugs, singles or pairs. The prerequisites are the right size, (so no large or chunky mugs) and the presence of a ‘lip’ on the cup :), all the better to sip.
I think my collection is like your Mom’s. An eclectic mix of gifts and souvenirs. What they have in common – no small mugs for me!
Beautiful! Great Post!