Preparation
Paper plates and plastic cups are staples at backyard barbecues and pool parties, but they don’t always feel elevated (and they aren’t necessarily eco-friendly). Thankfully, there are ways to make your summer tablescapes look more refined—and help Mother Earth in the process. “You can save the environment while upping the ante on your outdoor dining aesthetic by using melamine,” says Liz Curtis, an entertaining expert and the founder of the first rent-the-table service, Table + Teaspoon. “This magical material won’t shatter if you drop it on hard outdoor surfaces, and only the most discerning eye will know it’s not traditional porcelain.”
Melamine isn’t the only material to look for when shopping for durable, long-lasting outdoor tableware. “My go-to dinnerware for outdoor entertaining is made from natural materials, including bamboo or wood,” shares Michiel Perry, the founder of Black Southern Belle, noting that pieces made from both mediums are sturdy, aesthetically pleasing, and shatterproof.
To help you prepare for a season of outdoor entertaining, we culled several expert-approved dinnerware sets made from these sturdy materials, which are essentially unbreakable. Scratch-resistant, shatterproof, and lightweight, each selection also has a refined aesthetic. They look sleek enough for your indoor dining room table, but afford you the opportunity to entertain safely and stress-free under the stars—without sacrificing an ounce of style.
West Elm ″Modern Melamine″ Dinner Plate SetHarlem Toile de Jouy x Sheila Bridges Plate SetMartha Stewart 12-Piece Melamine Dinnerware SetWilliams Sonoma ″Rustic Outdoor″ Melamine 12-Piece Dinnerware SetMoMA Bamboo Dessert PlatesFable New York Mixed Dish SetEkobo Bamboo Lunch Set and TrayLatitude Run 12-Piece Melamine Dinnerware SetWest Elm Melamine Stone DinnerwareCabana Melamine 12-Piece Dinnerware SetMarrakesh Melamine 12-Piece Dinnerware SetPottery Barn Bamboo Dinnerware CollectionHomemade Navy Gingham Melamine Dinner Plate SetPuebla Melamine 12-Piece Dinnerware SetPepper and Vetiver Handmade Acacia Wood PlatesSur La Table Outdoor Melamine Set
