Dining alfresco is one of the most treasured parts of summer. Whether it's a casual weekday lunch, a lavish family get-together, or an impromptu barbecue put on in a bid to make the most of the sunshine, eating in the garden creates some of our favorite family memories.
And as much as we want our summer table decor ideas to look pretty, we need tableware pieces that are durable and weather-resistant too. After all, what's the use in going to town with our garden party decorations if our plates, cups, and serveware are going to let us down in the middle of all the fun?
Fortunately, the best outdoor safe tableware doesn't need to compromise on style. I've found pieces that are as pretty as they are practical, providing you with the building blocks for all of your outdoor dining needs this year – and indeed, every year to come.
The best outdoor safe tableware
You can expect to see melamine a lot when shopping for outdoor safe tableware, but for good reason. Aside from being both lightweight and durable, it can also look effortlessly stylish – as this Chateau 12-piece dinnerware set shows. With scalloped edging and subtly contrasting trim, the pieces provide an easy way to elevate outdoor dining ideas, while the neutral tones leave plenty of room to layer in your favorite colors.
If you're looking to create a whimsical summer aesthetic, Meri Meri's floral bamboo plates are a stylish choice. Crafted from lightweight, eco-friendly bamboo, they’re perfect for outdoor entertaining – from garden lunches to impromptu picnics. I like the soft pastel tones and delicate floral pattern, both of which nod to vintage-inspired design. There's also a matching set of cups available if you prefer a coordinated table setting.
Blending vintage charm with everyday ease, the Avondale Melamine Dinner Plates from McGee & Co. bring a refined touch to alfresco dining. The soft botanical detailing lends a sense of quiet elegance, but they still carry the durable melamine construction ideal for family get-togethers. Generously sized at 10.5 inches, the plates offer ample room for grilled fare and seasonal sides alike.
The Carlton Street flatware set by Kate Spade brings understated elegance to outdoor dining. Crafted from durable 18/10 stainless steel, each piece features a refined cuff detail and polished finish that complements both classic and contemporary table settings. With service for eight plus essential serving pieces, it’s as practical as it is stylish.
The elegant floral artwork on these paper napkins would make a pretty addition to any table set-up. They're printed with non-toxic, water-based, food-safe inks, and are both biodegradable and compostable, making them an eco-friendly choice for your summer gatherings. They're a nice way to dress up more neutral dinnerware sets.
This bamboo handle flatware set incorporates natural, organic textures that are evocative of relaxed summer entertaining. The set would pair beautifully with rattan chargers or chinoiserie plates, making it easy to create a layered, coastal-inspired tablescape. It covers service for four people but has the nice addition of salad forks as well.
On a sunny day, nothing quite beats a fresh, juicy salad, served up in a rustic wooden bowl. This 3-piece set combines natural elegance with practical design, making it perfect for everyday meals and special occasion soirées. With a generously sized 4-liter round wooden bowl and two matching salad forks, tossing and serving salad has never been easier.
Anthropologie Home has some great outdoor tableware, including the Marcus Chip & Dip Bowl. It's made from durable stoneware with a cement glaze and is pretty enough to make a casual centerpiece. The generous 13" diameter can hold a variety of snacks that will keep all the family happy, from chips and salsa to fresh fruit and yogurt.
Handcrafted from reclaimed wood, the Farmtable Plank by Lulu and Georgia serves as both a decorative centerpiece and a functional serving board. Its rustic charm will add warmth to your summer table setting, while its sturdy construction can handle an array of cheeses, breads, or desserts. It's an outdoor entertaining must-have.
A pitcher is a fun addition to outdoor safe tableware, so why not go all out with this colorfully speckled design from Crow Canyon Home? The design, inspired by the natural beauty of Catalina Island, features colorways that evoke wildflowers, sunsets, and ocean hues – the perfect accompaniment to lazy summer evenings spent in the garden. It's crafted from durable porcelain enamel on a steel base, making it both lightweight and resilient.
For an elegant outdoor dining set-up, the Juliska Amalia Acrylic Small Tumblers are a must. Crafted from durable, BPA-free acrylic, each tumbler features Juliska's signature spiraling thread design that catches the light beautifully. Ideal for serving everything from fresh juices to evening cocktails, these 14 oz tumblers are also available in green and blue colorways.
Margarita glasses bring the flair to an outdoor table (and as a side note, they're a fun addition to pack in with your favorite picnic essentials, too). This acrylic option is wonderfully affordable, yet vibrantly stylish, and it's not going to break easily either. At that price point, it would still feel like a bargain to buy this glass ten times over.
Where H&G editors shop for gorgeous outdoor safe tableware
FAQs
What material is the most durable for outdoor tableware?
Across the board, experts recommend melamine for outdoor safe tableware. Its durability is derived from its unique chemical composition, and it always strikes the perfect balance between practicality and style.
'While ceramic will always be my personal favorite for its elegance, melamine is my go-to for outdoor use,' says Iryna Kolosvetova, Creative Director and Table Styling Expert at Fine Dining 4 Home. 'It’s durable, lightweight, and available in beautiful designs that elevate the table without the worry of breakage.'
Melamine is both shatter-resistant and waterproof, meaning you can relax while hosting instead of fretting over potential breakages. Its versatility extends to its price point as well. You'll be able to shop melamine tableware at a range of budgets, and some of the more affordable options still carry a sophisticated design.
Bamboo is another good option for outdoor safe tableware, though it's less readily available and there are fewer designs to shop. 'Bamboo is definitely another excellent, eco-conscious option,' Noel Fahden Briceno, VP of Merchandising at Chairish says. 'It's known for its lightweight feel, surprising strength, and natural aesthetic. But, you'll need to ensure bamboo pieces are specifically treated for outdoor durability.'
Which is better for outdoor plates: melamine or bamboo?
'If choosing between the two, melamine is generally the better choice for outdoor plates,' Iryna says. 'I recommend it over bamboo because of its durability, longevity, and design versatility.'
Melamine plates are certainly more widely available than bamboo, so there's more choice when it comes to colorways and design. It's a material that can beautifully mimic ceramic without the same risk of breakage.
Bamboo plates don't quite have the same longevity as melamine. 'They’re best used as a single-use solution since they’re often not dishwasher-safe and tend to wear out quickly with oily foods or repeated washing,' Iyrena explains. 'If you choose bamboo, just keep in mind they work best for light, low-mess meals (think fresh salads, fruit, sandwiches, or small bites that don’t involve heavy sauces or heat).'
Is stainless steel good for outdoor use?
Stainless steel dinnerware (and more generally, cookware) has traditionally been the reserve of camping trips, but retailers are starting to create more stainless steel tableware pieces, from serving bowls to flatware. If you like the stainless steel aesthetic, the good news is that it's inherently durable, so there's no need to worry about rusting or corrosion.
'Stainless steel's impressive resistance makes it the best fit for alfresco dining,' interior designer Nancy Dow says. 'Unlike glass or ceramic which are prone to cracking and shattering when dropped, stainless steel is nearly impossible to break. It's also capable of withstanding the sun, wind, and rain and proves to be even more beneficial in humid or coastal areas, where salt water can often damage other materials.'
Stainless steel doesn't just need to be traditional silver either. Modern designs incorporate a variety of finishes, from gold-plated to matt black, making it an ideal choice for creative summer tablescapes.
Dining indoors is about to become a distant memory, and when fall once again knocks on our door, we'll look back at eating in the garden with wistful fondness. Browse our pick of the best outdoor furniture to create whatever set-up your family needs.
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