Shatterproof Outdoor Dinnerware: 20 Sets to Buy Now

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Composite of shatterproof dishes for outdoor entertaining — Photo:
Courtesy of Food52, Home Depot

Paper plates and plastic cups are staples at backyard barbecues and pool parties, but they don't always feel elevated. Thankfully, there are ways to make your summer tablescapes look refined—and be more sustainable in the process. Enter: shatterproof outdoor dinnerware. Made from materials like melamine and bamboo, these products are designed to be virtually indestructible so you can host outdoor gatherings without worrying about broken glass.

Melamine outdoor dinnerware is a great place to start. "You can save the environment while upping the ante on your outdoor dining aesthetic by using melamine," says Liz Curtis, entertaining expert and the founder of Table + Teaspoon, the first rent-the-table service. "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 dishes. "My go-to dinnerware for outdoor entertaining is made from natural materials, including bamboo or wood," says Michiel Perry, founder of Black Southern Belle.

To help you prepare for a season of al fresco entertaining, we compiled dinnerware sets made from these sturdy materials. Scratch-resistant, shatterproof, and lightweight, each selection also has a refined aesthetic.

West Elm Modern Melamine Outdoor Dinner Plate Sets

Want to set your outdoor tablescape with a more playful palette this season? "Designer Aaron Probyn perfectly captures summer with his neon citrus-and-grapefruit-pink-hued plates," says Curtis. Thanks to their light, shatterproof material and pastel colorways, these BPA-free melamine plates—we're loving the turquoise colorway—are perfect for al fresco dining.

Price at time of publish: $35.70

Buy on West Elm

Fable Mixed Dish Sets

This set is made from bamboo fiber, corn starch, and BPA-free melamine. Best of all, the mix-and-match hues add vibrant energy and nuance to your summer tablescape. The set of 16 includes four cereal bowls, four low bowls, four salad plates, and four dinner plates.

Price at time of publish: $148

Buy on Fableny.com

Siren Song Les Indiens Melamine Plates

Since you probably don't want to use your antique china at an al fresco party, this outdoor plate set is the next best thing. Inspired by vintage chintz prints and embroideries, these botanical pieces are made of heavyweight melamine—so your guests may even mistake them for porcelain.

Price at time of publish: $44

Buy on Food52

West Elm Organic Stone Melamine Serveware

This minimalist melamine outdoor dinnerware set looks like stoneware, but is anything but: It's lightweight, durable, and perfectly practical for the great outdoors. There is natural speckling on the material, which only enhances the organic stoneware look.

Price at time of publish: $9.99

Buy on West Elm

Pottery Barn Bamboo Dinnerware Collection

Since you'll be reusing these pieces all summer long for parties of all styles and themes, neutral hues are ideal. "When I really want the food to be the star of the show, I go to dinnerware in neutral colors, like this bamboo dinnerware collection from Pottery Barn," Perry says. "The chic collection is crafted from sustainable, durable materials and really allows the menu and decorations to shine during outdoor festivities."

Price at time of publish: $40

Buy on Pottery Barn

Homemade Navy Gingham Melamine Dinner Plate Set

For those who are looking for a classic summer-centric style on their tabletops, consider this gingham printed plate set. The ceramic-like dishware is food and dishwasher safe, BPA free, and resist to breaking, scratching, and chipping.

Price at time of publish: $45.31

Buy on Home Depot

Sur La Table Wildflower Melamine Dinnerware

Call to your surrounding landscape with this wildflower-inspired dish set, which includes four cereal bowls, four dinner plates, and four salad plates. Every piece in the set is made from shatter-resistant, dishwasher-safe melamine.

Price at time of publish: $149.95

Buy on Sur La Table

Fine & Nice Melamine Dinnerware Sets

Available in three different earth-inspired hues (sage, white, and red) these plates set the tone for any outdoor occasion. They're lightweight, making it easier to carry food out to guests. Plus, they're made of melamine, so they're dishwasher safe— which means less clean up for you post-dinner.

Price at time of publish: $48.99

Buy on Amazon

Zak Designs Melamine Dinnerware Set

This 12-piece set has everything you need for an evening of outdoor entertaining—four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four individual bowls. The break-resistant dinnerware boasts a unique French country-inspired design. The beautiful embossed lines and patterns make each piece look like real glassware.

Price at time of publish: $52.99

Buy on Amazon

West Elm Reactive Glaze Melamine Outdoor Dinnerware

Though this dishware set has a pattern, the soft earth-toned colors can easily mix and match with other table décor pieces. Constructed from melamine, the plates and bowls in this set are durable, but lightweight.

Price at time of publish: $28.90

Buy on West Elm

Meri Meri Earthy Small Reusable Bamboo Plates

If these plates don't scream "summer" we don't know what does. The scalloped pattern is reminiscent of a flower, and the fun colors also give way to a summery vibe. Made using naturally renewable bamboo, this set of six offers an eco-friendly approach to outdoor dining.

Price at time of publish: $38

Buy on Target

West Elm Modern Melamine Printed Outdoor Salad Plate Sets

Elevate your summer tablescape with plates that call to the season, like this set; it features a bright color palette and modern floral design. The plates are the perfect for size for serving a salad or small bites.

Price at time of publish: $34

Buy on West Elm

Belari Reusable Bamboo Round Dinner Plates

Made from chip- and scratch-resistant bamboo, these plates will look beautiful in any outdoor dining setting. Each piece of bamboo is molded into a perfectly smooth piece of dinnerware, resulting in a set that's both stylish and functional.

Price at time of publish: $41.99

Buy on Wayfair

Azria Melamine Dinnerware Set

For those who prefer a more playful color palette for their tablescape, the pieces in this set feature a multicolor medallion print that's wrapped in a neutral tan border. With four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four all-purpose dining bowls, you'll have everything you need for an intimate dinner party outdoors.

Price at time of publish: $45.69

Buy on Home Depot

Certified International Bee Sweet Dinnerware Set

You will be absolutely buzzing to use these plates the next time you entertain. Each bowl and plate in the 12-piece set depicts bees and beautiful pastel flowers, which call to summer's lively landscape.

Price at time of publish: $58.63

Buy on Wayfair

Pottery Barn Marrakesh Melamine Dinnerware Collection

Inspired by Moroccan textiles, this outdoor dinnerware set is embellished with medallion motifs in a black-and-white color pattern. It's crafted of shatter-proof melamine, meaning it's safe to serve outdoors without the fear of broken glass.

Price at the time of publish: $48

Buy on Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn Alegeria Outdoor Melamine Dinnerware

The border on this dishware set is reminiscent of ocean pearls—a perfect motif for your outdoor gathering. The set of four is constructed of melamine (but guests will think it's real stoneware) and is dishwasher safe, so you can easily load up your machine after dinner and get back to hosting.

Price at time of publish: $69

Buy on Pottery Barn

Bloomingdales Hudson Park Collection

An understated color that matches a range of aesthetics—no matter the theme or timing of your outdoor gathering—this set of melamine dishes is timeless. The collection includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four bowls all with a rustic-inspired look.

Price at time of publish: $149.99

Buy on Bloomingdales

Thomas Fuchs 1/2 & 1/2 Melamine Dinnerware

Made of shatterproof melamine, this beautiful collection of dishware is available in a variety of color pairings. From cheery yellow and gray to sky blue and green, you're guaranteed to find a color palette that works for your tablescape.

Price at time of publish: $70

Buy on Food52

Xenia Taler Bamboo Metric Plates

Like a picnic blanket, but on a plate—this collection of dishware is made from bamboo fiber. Free of BPA, PVC, and phthalate, each piece is dishwasher safe and shatterproof.

Price at time of publish: $42

Buy on Food52

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