I'm lucky enough to have bought most of my homewares abroad, mainly because the thought of living in an identikit IKEA home brings me out in a rash. My favourite mugs, purchased in the Herzliya branch of Max Brenner, are no exception.

They're called Hug Mugs and they really are quite lovely. If you happen to have a penchant for hot chocolate, especially the really thick naughty kind, then I defy you to find a more suitable mug to drink it from.

To quote the Max Brenner website...

"The Hug Mug is a cacao bean shaped mug designed to keep your hands warm while drinking.  It creates the ultimate experience of warmth and coziness and the openess of the mug allows the aroma of the chocolate to be thoroughly enjoyed."

How perfect, especially sat on the sofa with Home Alone 2: Lost in New York showing on the telly. Mmmmmm.

Should you be so inclined, you can purchase your own hug in a mug here.