In Defense of Melamine Plates

Dining outdoors can be disrupted by broken glass, so melamine plates offer a low-maintenance alternative. Melamine has faced criticism for being viewed as cheap or flimsy, but it has gained a more stylish look in recent years. Concerns about microplastics remain, yet the FDA has approved melamine for tableware use. To reduce risk, avoid microwaving and highly acidic foods. Outdoor dining can stay outside when grilling, because melamine dinnerware can weather the elements. Designs have shifted from dated patterns to swirling florals and ceramic-glaze-like finishes. Reusable options from brands such as Lenox, Heller Max, and Leanne Ford are suggested, including striped and coastal styles.

"Dining outdoors is all fun and games until a glass breaks in the grass, which is where the best melamine plates can serve as a low-maintenance alternative. Though the material has its critics, they're often seen as cheap or flimsy, meant for beach use and toddlers only, the material has gotten a stylish rebrand in the last few years. With microplastics run amok, it's fair to be wary of the material, however, the FDA has approved the material for tableware use, simply avoid the microwave or highly acidic foods."

"No longer an aesthetic sacrifice, this outdoor-friendly dinnerware has shifted from dated still-life designs into swirling floral patterns and ceramic-glaze-like finishes that rival our indoor iterations. If you favor a reusable deviation from paper plates, consider options from tableware brands like Lenox, Heller Max, and even designer-approved picks from Leanne Ford. For patio breakfasts and backyard aperitivos, we're highlighting our favorite melamine dinnerware below."

"Juliska's melamine dinner plates boast a playful striped palette and scalloped edges. Somewhere between a sunburst and a pinstripe, the pattern is ideal for pairing with a picnic blanket for sunny days spent sprawled in the grass. Raised and rounded sides make for a comfortable grip, and the sloped sides ensure no side will slide off as you're making your way to the table on uneven"

Read at Architectural Digest