Mugs

Mugs are sometimes included in a set of melamine dinnerware, along with serving dishes, saucers, plates and bowls.

A mug is a type of cup that is sturdy, that usually has a handle, and that is ideal for holding hot liquids like coffee due to its semi-insulated nature.

A mug usually holds about 12 fluid ounces of liquid, though they are not the cup of choice in most formal settings. Teacups, which are about half the size, are usually used for formal arrangements.

Older mugs from ancient times were usually made out of wood, clay, or bone. Most mugs of today, however, are made from ceramic materials. Some of these materials include earthenware, porcelain, bone china, or stoneware. Some mugs are even made of glass, plastic, or metal. A lot of mugs nowadays have printing on them of some type. This printing might be in the form of a logo, a cartoon, or any kind of small message. Some people collect mugs that say certain things on them.

According to a Wikipedia article, the very first mugs were made during the Neolithic stone age. They were made out of pottery, and have been found in places like Japan and China. Some of these mugs date back to as early as 10,000 BCE.

Since that time, mugs have been fashioned out of wood, clay, silver, gold, bronze, and even lead. Once porcelain was invented in china around 600 CE, mugs became more thin-walled and suitable for use with both hot and cold liquids.

Mugs can be bought at just about any retail store that sells dishes, though you might need to go to specialty shops to get mugs that have particular things printed on them. A very popular way to store mugs is to hang them by the handle from small wooden pegs. Mugs are widely used, both in restaurants and domestically, for use with coffee, tea, and other hot liquids.