Mugs or cups?

I have a pretty bone china tea set and like an excuse to use it. Afternoon tea is old-fashioned and older guests will probably like an old-fashioned cup and saucer.

A bone china mug for me. I like my hot drinks really hot and a pretty cup cools to quickly for me. I only have one cup and saucer that I keep for a friend who hates mugs.

Cups and saucers along with the full tea set of ! Pot, milkjug and sugar basin lend themselves to chairs at the dining table or perched at a breakfast bar. Whereas china mugs on a tray are more suited to the living room imo.

I used to have a china business and must agree with JamesandJon and that is nice bone china cups for tea and bone china mugs for coffee, chocolate or camomile tea.
Bone china is upteen stronger than porcelain, crockery or the other heavy ware. Doesn’t craze or chip and it actually bounces, but not on tiles etc.

I have essential tremor that’s not noticeable until I go to pick up a cup and then I either have to put it down or it spills over. It’s always nice to be asked which I would prefer. A full mug is a problem too but more manageable.

We only have china mugs. No teacups (“more tea, vicar?”) and no hefty pottery mugs.

Mugs every timer, and the bigger the better!
My parents were rather unconventional and adopted mugs very early despite them being considered infra dig…

A nice bone china cup and saucer every time. Seems daft but it somehow makes the tea taste better. If entertaining always loose leaf tea and not teabags.

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The mugs are nice and light. Cups a bit fiddly.

If you use cups, make sure they don’t have fiddle little handles which are tricky for arthritic fingers. Mind you, mugs can be heavy to hold. The best ones are lightweight china.

I would go with the consensus and serve it in china mugs. that's what we use all the time, except for hot chocolate or iced coffee - for some reason I use glass ones for that.

We don’t even possess any cups any more. However we have both bone china and ‘heftier’ mugs.

I would say teacups as long as you have a large teapot to offer refills. Recently I have started visiting a cafe where they serve tea in mis-matched bone china, and tea really does taste better out of fine china, It also doesn't go cold before you reach the bottom of a large mug.

Nice bone China mugs are what I would use. For coffee I often use the heat proof glasses because I like the round shape.

Tbh when having afternoon tea in say a hotel they always use traditional cups saucers and plates.

I had afternoon tea in the Brighton Grand this week (the one where Thatcher got blown up) and it was served in the traditional way.

My mother felt exactly the same AGAA4 I don't like big chunky mugs so compromise with china ones.

I usually use cups for visitors but mugs always when just on my own.
My mum thought mugs were common for some reason so only ever gave her a cup.

Some good ideas here. I do have nice China mugs so I think I will ask which they prefer. It's sad that the China never gets used these days isn't it.

Ask the ladies, once they arrive, what they would like. It’s nice to give people a choice and shows that you are considerate and respectful of their preferences. Above all……enjoy! ☕️🍰🍪

I only have Mugs now, but China ones. I replaced my everyday Mugs /Plates /bowls etc from a lovely Art Deco China range from M&S, that's all I have. I would never think about Cups now tbh.
I'm not keen on heavy pottery ones, but I do have some for workmen etc.

Mugs for certain especially if you have any bone china ones.

Mugs for coffee usually, and cups for tea.

China mugs?

I have some 'best' China mugs as opposed to my every day ones.

I'd ask which they prefer.