My husband likes white, clean-lined crockery. That’s how we ended up with a lot of hotel ware in the cupboards, although I regularly smuggle in hand-made mugs from various local potters.

It turns out that Continental China, despite the name, is a largely South African made range of crockery for the hospitality industry. The days when hotel ware only came in sturdy white are long gone. There are patterns and delicate things on offer, as well as plenty of modern squarish designs. At present, only their Le Buffet and the Fine Bone ranges are imported, all other ranges are made locally.

You can of course go entirely local by stocking up on handmade ceramics available at markets and pottery studios throughout the country. I find that any tea, coffee or hot chocolate tastes better enjoyed from a beautifully made cup.