Our ceramics are made to be loved and used every single day - not saved for special occasions. Warm up your morning coffee in the microwave or let the dishwasher take care of the cleaning after a long dinner with friends. Choose a gentle eco programme when you can: it's kinder to the glaze, helps your pieces stay beautiful for years to come, and is better for the planet too.

Our ceramics are made for the table, not the oven. High heat can damage both the clay and the glaze, so we recommend cooking in an ovenproof dish and serving in your Mateus pieces instead. That way, they'll keep their beauty and quality for many meals and gatherings to come.

Every Mateus piece is shaped and painted by hand, which means no two are ever exactly alike. A brushstroke that's slightly softer, a colour that's a shade deeper - these small variations are not flaws, but traces of the hands that made it. It's what gives each piece its own personality, and what makes it truly yours.

Clay is a natural, living material that loves to drink up water. If your ceramics are left soaking for too long, the moisture can work its way in and cause fine cracks in the glaze, known as crazing. So skip the soak - a quick rinse, a gentle wash or a run in the dishwasher is all your pieces need to stay lovely for a long time.

Your table deserves just as much love as your ceramics. Handmade pieces can sometimes leave marks on delicate surfaces such as polished wood, marble or lacquer. Place a coaster, placemat or a beautiful tablecloth underneath - it protects your furniture and creates a lovely setting at the same time.