I am not alone in this activity, as it turns out there are other Mug Collectors that seek out Deneen Pottery mugs. We started realizing this back in the early 80s when my dad would get calls inquiring about Inns that have our mugs. As technology continued to improve, and our ability to create a database and website, we started a map so that Collectors would easily be able to find mugs. Today that map looks like this:

“We had some guests stay with us for 2 nights last weekend to celebrate their anniversary.  Come to find out that the reason they chose us was because we sold Deneen Pottery mugs!  They found us on your “Collect them all” page of your website.  Apparently they bought mugs a few years back at an inn on the east coast, and loved them so much they wanted to buy more!” Julie McAferty who owns the Greenlake Guesthouse in Seattle, WA wrote this to me just yesterday.

Julie also went on to share that her guests, “purchased 2 of our mugs (and a bouquet of flowers) to have waiting in the room at check in.” While all B&B’s are different and unique there are some things that are synonymous – Excellent linens, privacy, warmth, delicious breakfasts, and maybe Deneen Pottery Mugs. Here is a picture of the dining room’s central table at Greenlake Guesthouse, you can see the Flare Mugs in our hunter green glaze, at each of the 4 places.

Making the best handmade mugs is what we love to do, and when we hear about guests that collect them, it just makes us feel so proud of our work… This is also something that our Innkeepers enjoy as well, and as Julie put it.

“Gotta love it!”

If you want to find out more about our company, or have questions about finding or ordering mugs, just give us a call 888-646-0238.

Thanks for reading our blog!
Niles Deneen, CEO
Deneen Pottery

Sorting through the importance of Facebook, and finding relavent material and ideas to share on a blog can be TOUGH. A few weeks back when I figured that I’d like to use our Facebook page to showcase ‘Innkeepers Mug Displays’ I was given a tip by  Linda Hayes from the Inn at Riverbend in Pearlsburg, Virginia about her friend Selena. “You should get [a picture] from Selena at Bed and Breakfast on Tiffany Hill, her retail wall with your mugs is beautiful.”

After thanking Linda I got a hold of Selena and we opened a dialog about her mugs, the display, and her Inn… Lucky timing, as a professional photographer was scheduled to come out to take pictures later that week! Amazing ‘professional’ images would soon be available, which got me to thinking that facebook might be, too, small of a stage.

As we continued talking Selena and I thought that we could come up with a small ‘article’ that we could incorporate the images… The natural next step was to do a Q&A. As we are both busy we didn’t conduct the interview on the phone, instead we took advantage of emailing.

I’m hoping that the information, and images will be helpful for other innkeepers, fans of B&B’s, and those that love our handmade stoneware mugs! Without further ado:

Q. What is your favorite thing about your Handmade Mugs?       A. They are a great reflection of the Bed and Breakfast on Tiffany Hill! Our slogan is Casual Elegance filled with Southern Hospitality and the Deneen Mugs fit the slogan!

Q. Do you use the mugs to serve coffee and/or tea?      A. I have to tell you a little secret on how I sell the mugs so effectively… Upstairs on both sides of the B&B, I have Keurig coffee makers. Guests love making their own coffee, hot chocolate and tea without having to come downstairs.

Q. Can you think of a story or comment to share about your mugs?     A. One of my guests is collecting 12… 2 at a time! Another guest posted a review on BedandBreakfast.com and included a comment about purchasing a mug: “…Ms. Einwechter was delightful, knowledgeable, and making guests’ stays a great experience is her priority. Don’t leave without a mug!”

Q. Where did you first hear about Deneen Pottery?     A. Over the years, I have visited B&B’s myself and [had] seen [Deneen Pottery mugs]. Then when I started going to the PAII conferences, I received one as an attendee. I use that collection for myself in the kitchen and guests comment on the different ones. Then, my mentor Linda Hayes of the Inn at RIverbend stsrongly recommended that I order the mugs at last year’s [Innkeeper] conference. As a newly constructed B&B with many things on my purchase list, I am glad that I made the decision to order them! Guests love them! And it brands my property!

Summing up, Deneen Pottery mugs, Casual Elegance, Southern Hospitality, Keurig, and Guests are turning out to be a very successful thing for both Selena and Deneen Pottery! We love making mugs for Innkeepers, and are just tickled when we get to hear that guests love them too.

Thanks for reading our blog!

Niles Deneen, VP, Marketing

* On a side Linda and Selena reconnected at the PAII conference in Myrtle Beach after 30+ years from when they graduated from high school together… And today they are both happily running successful Bed and Breakfasts!

Dear Niles and Teena,
I want you to know that our new custom mugs are simply spectacular.  The logo has depth, every detail is perfect and I’m thrilled to once again have Deneen Pottery mugs in the inn.  They look rich and I’ve already sold two in spite of slow business.

Susie Goldsmith
Boreas B&B – Long Beach, WA

Susie has also posted a blog on her site about her new handmade mugs, read more…