If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Entertaining Seasonal Summer Entertaining 19 Shatterproof Dinnerware Sets for Outdoor Entertaining Look to melamine, acrylic, or bamboo dishware if you're planning any al fresco gatherings this season. By Madeline Buiano Madeline Buiano Madeline Buiano is an associate editor at MarthaStewart.com, sharing her knowledge on a range of topics—from gardening and cleaning to home and pets. She has five years of writing and editing experience in the digital publishing industry. Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 31, 2023 04:38PM EDT 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. 20 Summer Centerpieces to Recreate for All of Your Seasonal Parties West Elm Modern Melamine Outdoor Dinner Plate Sets Courtesy of West Elm 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 Courtesy of Fable NY 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 Courtesy of Food52 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 Courtesy of West Elm 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 Courtesy of Pottery Barn 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 Courtesy of Home Depot 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 Fine & Nice Melamine Dinnerware Sets Courtesy of Amazon 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 Courtesy of Amazon 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 Courtesy of West Elm 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 Courtesy of Target 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 Courtesy of West Elm 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 Courtesy of Wayfair 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 Courtesy of Home Depot 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 Courtesy of Wayfair 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 Courtesy of Pottery Barn 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 Courtesy of Pottery Barn 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 Courtesy of Bloomingdale's 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 Courtesy of Food52 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 Courtesy of Food52 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 Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit More Good Things Shop Martha's Prime Day Deals Now, Including Bedding, Cookware, Home Décor, and More Le Creuset Is Retiring This Popular Color—Shop the Final Sale Now 20 Entertaining Essentials That Make Dining Al Fresco More Enjoyable