Al Fresco Dining Essentials: Choosing The Perfect Outdoor Dinnerware Set

Dining al fresco is fun, but it's not always a good idea to bring breakable plates outside. Disposable dinnerware is an option, but it can be expensive and harmful to the environment. That's where outdoor dinnerware sets come in.

The ideal outdoor dinnerware is not only break-resistant but also attractive, lightweight, and easy to clean. Long-lasting materials like melamine, bamboo, or stainless steel are great choices for plates, cups, and bowls that will remain dependable and reusable for years.

There are many options for outdoor dinnerware sets, in various materials, colours, and patterns. For example, the Vietri Melamine Lastra White Dinner Plate Set evokes a modern Italian ceramic design but in a more durable form for outdoor entertaining. The shatterproof plates are food-safe and chip-resistant. The Williams Sonoma Sicily Outdoor Melamine Dinner Plate Set, on the other hand, is designed to look like Sicilian Maiolica ceramics, with plates available in a wide variety of colour combinations and ornate patterns.

For a more rustic look, the TarHong Bamboo Planta Artisan Dinnerware Set is made from a majority of bamboo powder and corn starch, with a melamine binder. The bamboo makes for a lighter plate, which makes handling easier.

If you're looking for something more modern, the West Elm Kaloh Melamine Outdoor Dinnerware Set is perfect for creating a chic but eclectic moment. The set is neutral enough to blend into your existing collection or be dressed up or down.

So, whether you're dining on the deck, patio, or having a picnic in the backyard, there's an outdoor dinnerware set that's perfect for you.

Bamboo, melamine, and stainless steel are common materials for outdoor dinnerware

Bamboo, melamine, and stainless steel are all common materials for outdoor dinnerware. Each has its pros and cons, and it's important to choose the right one for your specific needs. Here are some things to consider about each material:

Bamboo

Bamboo is a renewable, eco-friendly, and biodegradable resource that makes for durable and lightweight dinnerware. It is often combined with melamine to increase its durability, but even then, it is not microwave-safe and should preferably be hand-washed. Bamboo dinnerware is an excellent option for those seeking sustainable and environmentally friendly choices.

Melamine

Melamine is a ubiquitous food-safe plastic known for its durability and break-resistance. It is a good choice for outdoor use as it is difficult to break, making it safer than traditional plates for outdoor gatherings. Melamine dinnerware comes in various colours, patterns, and styles, allowing you to elevate your outdoor dining experience. However, it is not microwave-safe, and the FDA recommends avoiding microwaving food and drinks on melamine due to the risk of harmful chemicals leeching into your food.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a safe, non-toxic, and extremely durable option for outdoor dinnerware. It is lightweight and easy to carry, making it perfect for outdoor use. Stainless steel dinnerware is also dishwasher-safe, but it is not microwave-safe. It is important to ensure that the stainless steel you purchase has no additives or coatings, as most do not, but always check with the manufacturer.

When choosing outdoor dinnerware, it is essential to consider your specific needs and preferences. Factors such as durability, weight, ease of cleaning, style, and safety should be taken into account. Additionally, if you're looking for sustainable options, bamboo or stainless steel might be better choices than melamine.

Dinnerware sets can include plates, bowls, mugs, and serving dishes

Dinnerware sets are a great way to elevate your dining experience, both indoors and outdoors. When shopping for dinnerware, it's important to consider factors such as material, durability, size, and style to ensure you get a set that meets your needs and preferences. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect dinnerware set:

Material:

The most common materials for dinnerware include bone china, porcelain, stoneware, melamine, and earthenware. Bone china is lightweight, elegant, and durable, making it suitable for everyday use and special occasions. Porcelain is versatile, durable, and microwave/dishwasher-safe. Stoneware has a smooth glaze and is family-friendly. Melamine is shatterproof and ideal for outdoor use. Earthenware is durable but not suitable for daily use due to lead concerns.

Durability:

Look for dinnerware that is resistant to chips, cracks, and fractures, especially if you plan to use it daily. Materials like porcelain, bone china, and melamine are known for their durability. Check for dishwasher and microwave safety, especially if you prefer low-maintenance options.

Size:

Consider the size of your cabinets, shelves, and dishwasher when choosing dinnerware. Large plates and bowls may be aesthetically pleasing but could be impractical if they don't fit your storage space. Measure your space before purchasing to ensure your new dinnerware set will fit comfortably.

Style:

Dinnerware comes in various styles, from classic white sets to colourful and ornate patterns. White dinnerware is versatile and can be easily dressed up or down with linens and serving pieces. If you opt for colour, consider a set with one or two colours, as these are typically easier to coordinate and less expensive.

Quantity:

Determine how many place settings you need based on the size of your household and how often you entertain. A good rule of thumb is to have enough settings for the biggest dinner parties you plan to host. For intimate gatherings or smaller families, eight settings may be sufficient, while larger families or frequent entertainers may require twelve or more settings.

Open Stock vs. Sets:

Open stock dinnerware allows you to customise your set by choosing the number and type of pieces you need. It also makes it easier to replace individual items if they break. Sets, on the other hand, provide a complete collection but may offer less flexibility in terms of customisation.

Quality:

Investing in quality dinnerware is essential, as it will last longer and provide a better dining experience. Look for pieces with smooth surfaces, consistent colour tones, secure lids, and sturdy handles. Avoid items with manufacturing flaws like uneven rims, drippy glaze, scratches, or pitting.

By considering these factors, you can choose a dinnerware set that is functional, durable, and aesthetically pleasing, enhancing your dining experience for years to come.

Look for durable, lightweight, and easy-to-clean options

When shopping for dinnerware, it's important to consider the number of settings, types of dishes included, dish shape, dish size, and care instructions. Here are some recommendations for lightweight and durable dinnerware sets that are perfect for outdoor dining:

Best Overall:

The Williams Sonoma Rustic Outdoor Melamine 12-Piece Dinnerware Set is a stylish and sturdy option. Made of BPA-free melamine, this set includes dinner plates, salad plates, and salad bowls. It is scratch-resistant, shatterproof, and lightweight. The set is top-rack dishwasher-safe but not suitable for microwaves.

Best Value:

The Gibson Brist 12-Piece Dinnerware Set offers excellent value for money. This melamine set includes dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls. It is lightweight, scratch-resistant, and top-rack dishwasher-safe. However, excessive heat in the dishwasher may damage the colour coating.

Best Lightweight:

The Corelle Vitrelle 18-Piece Dinnerware Set is an excellent choice for those seeking lightweight yet durable dinnerware. Made of laminated glass, this set includes dinner plates, salad plates, and bowls. It is chip-resistant, scratch-resistant, microwave-safe, and dishwasher-safe.

Best Everyday:

The Williams Sonoma Apilco Porcelain Dinnerware Set is a versatile and durable option for everyday use. This porcelain set includes dinner plates, salad plates, soup bowls, cups, and saucers. It is scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, microwave-safe, and dishwasher-safe. The plates feature wide rims for easy handling.

Best Modern:

The Fable Base Dinnerware Set offers a modern and minimalist aesthetic. This stoneware set includes dinner plates, salad plates, large pasta bowls, and small breakfast bowls. It is scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, microwave-safe, and dishwasher-safe. The bottom of the dinnerware has a rough texture for easy handling.

Best Trendy:

The Fortessa Los Cabos Dinnerware Set is a trendy and colourful option. This glass dinnerware set includes dinner plates, salad plates, cereal bowls, and pasta bowls. It is scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, microwave-safe, and dishwasher-safe. The glass allows a tablecloth to show through, adding a unique touch to your table setting.

Best for Entertaining:

The Lenox Blue Bay 12-Piece Dinnerware Set is perfect for entertaining guests. This porcelain set includes dinner plates, dessert plates, and bowls with elegant gold rims. It is scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, microwave-safe, and dishwasher-safe. The gold rims did not show any signs of wear even after multiple dishwasher cycles.

Best White:

The Fortessa Modern Coupe Dinnerware Set is a stylish and elegant white dinnerware set. This vitrified china set includes dinner plates, salad plates, pasta bowls, and mugs. It is scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, microwave-safe, and dishwasher-safe. The plates have sloped rims for a modern look and stack neatly for compact storage.

Melamine is a popular choice for its durability and variety of designs

Melamine is a popular choice for dinnerware due to its durability, versatility, and stylish designs. It is a lightweight yet sturdy material that is perfect for outdoor dining as it is virtually unbreakable, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. Melamine dinnerware comes in a wide range of colours, shapes, patterns, and styles, making it aesthetically versatile for various settings, including indoor and outdoor dining.

Melamine is an organic-based, nitrogen-rich compound that, when combined with formaldehyde, forms a durable thermosetting plastic. This plastic material is then added to a paper base or fused to particleboard, plywood, or medium-density fibreboard (MDF) to create melamine laminate, a hard resin used in various applications.

One of the key advantages of melamine dinnerware is its durability. It is known for being shatter-resistant, making it a safer option than traditional ceramic or porcelain dinnerware. Melamine is also lightweight, reducing the risk of strain for staff carrying large serving trays. Additionally, its heat-resistant properties make it ideal for handling hot foods and soups without transferring heat to the servers or diners.

Melamine dinnerware is also versatile in terms of design. It can be produced in virtually any colour, shape, and style, allowing hosts and restaurants to showcase their sense of style. From tropical leaf-shaped platters to elegant high-gloss dinner plates, melamine offers a range of options to suit different themes and occasions.

Furthermore, melamine is an affordable alternative to fine china and porcelain. Its durability and chip-resistance make it a cost-effective choice, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Melamine's lightweight and shatter-resistant properties also make it ideal for outdoor dining, especially in settings like poolside dining, patios, and rooftop restaurants.

In summary, melamine is a popular choice for dinnerware due to its durability, lightweight construction, heat resistance, and design versatility. Its stylish designs and affordable price point make it a practical and elegant option for both indoor and outdoor dining experiences.

Consider the number of place settings and whether you need additional serving pieces

When it comes to dinnerware, it's important to consider the number of place settings you'll need and whether you require additional serving pieces. This will depend on factors such as the size of your household, how often you entertain guests, and the types of meals you typically serve.

Let's start with the number of place settings. For small households with 1-2 members, a set of 4-6 place settings is usually sufficient for everyday use, with 2-4 extra settings recommended for guests. Medium households of 3-6 members should aim for a baseline of 8-12 place settings, plus an additional 4-6 settings for guests. Large households with 7 or more members should start with 12-16 place settings and add more for guests. It's always better to have a few extra settings to accommodate unexpected guests or replace broken pieces.

Now, let's discuss additional serving pieces. If you plan to host formal dinners or multi-course meals, you'll need more serving pieces than if you typically have casual, family-style meals. A standard place setting includes essential items like a dinner plate, bowl, flatware (fork, knife, teaspoon), glassware, and a napkin. A formal place setting includes additional items such as multiple plates (charger, dinner, salad, bread), extra bowls, formal flatware (salad fork, fish fork, soup spoon, dessert spoon), multiple glasses (water, wine, champagne), and decorative items like place cards and menu cards.

When choosing your dinnerware sets, consider the material. For daily use, look for durable and dishwasher-safe options like melamine or vitrified glass. For formal dinnerware, white dishes are a versatile and elegant choice. If you're hosting outdoor dining, disposable dinnerware sets are a hassle-free option for cleanup.

In summary, the number of place settings and additional serving pieces you need depends on the size of your household and the type of dining experience you want to create. Don't forget to consider the material and style of your dinnerware sets to suit your functional and aesthetic needs.

Frequently asked questions