The Buyer's Guide to Outdoor Plates
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May 17th, 2022
What are outdoor plates?
Outdoor tableware needs to be robust and durable enough to carry to picnics, and use come sunshine, wind or rain. Ceramic or stoneware plates are not recommended for outdoor use - if they are dropped, they are likely to shatter. They are also quite heavy for carrying. Enamelware and melamine are both great materials to use for outdoor dining plates.
What are outdoor plates made of?
The best outdoor plates are made of enamelware or melamine. Enamelware is robust and very unlikely to shatter - this makes it great for plates that are going to be carried to picnics and camping trips. Melamine is lightweight and durable, excellent for carrying as well as using in all weather conditions.
What is an alternative to melamine?
Melamine is a synthetic compound that can be easily moulded and used to make cooking materials and plates. It is durable and heat-resistant making it a practical choice for outdoor tableware. Enamelware is a great alternative to melamine for outdoor plates. Enamel is porcelain which has been fused to steel, making it durable and long-lasting. Although enamelware is very unlikely to shatter, it is best to avoid knocks and bumps as the outer coating can chip.
Which are the best outdoor plates to buy?
Best outdoor plate for dinner parties
This pink Colour Pop enamel plate is the perfect summer accessory for picnics and outdoor feasts. The delicate pink dip-effect and black paint splatters make it a stunning way to serve anything from BBQ prawns to pasta pomodoro. Plus, it’s oven-safe - cook indoors, eat outdoors.
Best outdoor plate for everyday use
Dishwasher safe, oven-proof to 250°C and robust, this enamelware plate is a fantastic choice for everyday use, whether you’re having a low-key lunch outside, hosting a BBQ for friends or camping with family.
Best melamine outdoor dinnerware
Lightweight and durable, this melamine plate is great for outdoor use, whether you’re hosting a summer dinner party or on a camping trip. The light material makes it practical to carry, while the dappled texture effect gives it an elegant finish - you could use it indoors too!
Best melamine outdoor dinnerware for parties
This rectangle plate is a smart way to present a cheese selection or charcuterie platter, or for serving canapes at an al fresco dinner party. The outdoor plate is lightweight and hard-wearing, ideal for both home and restaurant use.
Best picnic tableware for outdoor dining
The Champs Elysees picnic hamper comes with everything you need for a luxurious picnic for two, including porcelain plates, stainless steel cutlery and wine glasses. You can keep all accessories in their place with the dedicated leather straps, and it also includes two straps on the inside to hold a standard bottle of wine.
Best outdoor plate for colour lovers
Add a burst of warmth to your picnic with this yellow Colour Pop enamel plate. Whether or not the sun is shining, it’s the perfect plate to take lunch outside. Use it to serve a selection of colourful antipasti, picnic pies or veg-jewelled couscous.
Best outdoor plate for garden lunches
Take this purple Colour Pop enamel plate outdoors, and enjoy a picnic or garden lunch. The dusty purple looks great mixed with other colours from our selection of bright and colourful enamel products. Use it for vibrant antipasti, classic picnic sarnies and beautiful fresh salads.
