Blue Melamine Dinnerware For Outdoor Entertaining

Set a sophisticated outdoor table with blue melamine dinnerware from Williams Sonoma. There are plates and bowls in separates and sets from which to choose, along with serving bowls and platters. These pieces come in a wide variety of blue colors and prints, so it's easy to create a coordinated look.

What is Blue Melamine Dinnerware?

Melamine dinnerware is an excellent choice for outdoor use because it won't shatter if you break it. It's also lightweight and it has the appearance of fine porcelain. Some of the options you may find available at Williams Sonoma include:

• Rustic: The Rustic outdoor dinnerware collection contains plates and bowls with an antiqued appearance. These pieces look like ceramic but are crafted from light, break-resistant melamine. Options include dinner and salad plates, bowls and platters.
• Pleated: If you prefer something modern, check out the Pleated outdoor dinnerware collection. These melamine pieces have a pleated border and a subtle circular pattern for easy elegance. There are charger plates and dinner plates, as well as bowls and platters of varying sizes.
• Sicily: Accent your patio table with the vibrant pattern of the Sicily collection. These melamine plates and bowls have a blue-and-yellow motif featuring medallions and fruits. They're inspired by traditional Sicilian maiolica ceramics, which date back at least 500 years.
• Iznik Tile: Another vibrant option is the Iznik Tile collection. These pieces have bold, Turkish-inspired botanical patterns and come in vibrant shades of blue with gold, green and other complementary hues. They look like special-occasion pieces, but they're light and durable enough for everyday use.
• AERIN Fairfield: Designer AERIN Lauder brings her signature style to outdoor dinnerware with the AERIN Fairfield collection. These blue-and-white melamine dishes look like fine china, so they're great for special occasions. The spacious bowls in this collection provide an elegant way to serve guacamole, hummus or other dips.

All these pieces are dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. Melamine isn't microwave-safe, but it is resistant to heat. You can also chill melamine plates in the refrigerator and use them to serve cold appetizers and desserts.

Creating a Coordinated Table

Blue melamine dinnerware can be paired with a white tablecloth to create a formal look on your outdoor patio table. Consider adding silver, gold-tone or rose-gold flatware for a gleaming touch. Acrylic drinkware is also a good addition to your outdoor table because it looks like crystal glassware but is break-resistant. Williams Sonoma also has durable high-end bakeware that's elegant enough to bring to the table for serving, such as blue casserole dishes from Le Creuset.