The 13 Best Outdoor Dinnerware Sets of 2024 for Dining Al Fresco This Summer

As the weather gets warmer, you may opt to entertain al fresco more frequently. While disposable dinnerware is often a convenient option, there are plenty of outdoor dinnerware sets that are reusable, stylish, and durable, so they’ll last all summer long. 

The best outdoor dinnerware sets are typically made from sturdy (and dishwasher-safe) melamine, but there are wood, stainless steel, and eco-friendly bamboo options as well. Not only will these plates, bowls, and platters add beauty to any outdoor table, but you won’t be worried about breaking any dishes while you transport them outdoors. 

To find the best outdoor dinnerware sets, we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind material, ease of care, and the number of sets included.

Place Settings for One

Alexandra Farmer The Flock Melamine Dinner Plate

The food you were planning to serve could very well get upstaged with these gorgeous dinner plates from Anthropologie. Designer Alexandra Farmer channeled the lush colors and scenery of Ojai, California to create this vibrant dinnerware. Though it may look delicate, the plates are actually made from highly durable bamboo melamine. 

The plates are offered in four patterns that are sure to make a decorative touch to your tablescape. Build your set featuring the same design or mix and match for an eclectic table; note the decaled finish makes each 11-inch plate slightly unique. 

While you’re preparing your meal, keep in mind that these plates are not safe to use in the microwave, so you’ll need other dishes to heat anything up. When the meal is over, be sure that you aren’t using a citrus dishwasher as it can damage the decaled finish. 

Product Details: Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Microwave Safe: No | Material: Bamboo melamine

Sur La Table Reactive Glaze Melamine Dinner Plate

Can dinnerware be as durable as it is beautiful? It can if it’s the Reactive Glaze Melanine Dinner Plates from Sur La Table. These 11-inch round plates are constructed with a reactive glaze finish, meaning no two are exactly alike. 

These plates are offered in tan, aqua, and navy which are gorgeous on their own, but you might consider mixing and matching them for a stylish, ocean-inspired tablescape. They’re perfect for dining seaside—or at least dreaming of dining seaside—and complement the other durable melamine cups and serveware from Sur La Table. 

Unlike some other dinnerware, these plates are sold individually, so it may be a more expensive option depending on how many you need. However, they’re safe to use on the top rack of the dishwasher, so you’ll be able to easily maintain them. 

Product Details: Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Microwave Safe: No | Material: Melamine

Bamboozle Blate Dining Set

This dining set from Bamboozle might look like porcelain plates but they’re actually made from durable bamboo fiber that’s biodegradable. The set includes a plate, salad bowl, and soup bowl and is offered in six colors. 

Since this set includes dinnerware for one, you can mix and match different sets for a colorful tablescape. Though they’re not safe to use in the microwave, they’ll be just fine in your dishwasher for an easy cleanup.

Product Details: Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Microwave Safe: No | Material: Biodegradable bamboo fiber

Crate & Barrel Tondo Acacia Plate

You might not want to cover up the gorgeous grain in these Crate & Barrel Acacia Wood Plates with food, but that’s exactly what they’re made for. These 9-inch round dishes are part of Crate & Barrel’s Tondo collection, so if you want to expand your elegant tablescape you can by adding other serving pieces. 

With this pick, you can choose from three different shades: ebonized, white-washed, or acacia (natural), although you could even mix and match for a dramatic look. 

These plates are handmade from sculpting to polishing and finishing, so you can expect some natural variations for your plates. To keep their gorgeous look for many meals, hand wash them only and do not soak them in water. Though they can handle hot food, you should avoid the microwave with these. 

Product Details: Dishwasher Safe: No | Microwave Safe: No | Material: Wood

Lekoch 4-Piece Bamboo Dinnerware Set

This BPA-free Lekoch Dinnerware Set is made from a sustainable blend of bamboo, corn starch, and other plant fibers.The set includes a dinner plate, salad plate, soup bowl, and cup, and has a light brown color that’ll pair well with a variety of table linens and decor. 

The pieces are lightweight and durable, so it’s easy to carry from your kitchen to your outdoor setup. It’s dishwasher-safe and able to handle hot food, but you won’t want to use these pieces in the microwave. 

Product Details: Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Microwave Safe: No | Material: Bamboo fiber

Place Settings for Two

Waverly 2-Piece Melamine Multi Purpose Plates

Want a pop of color for the patio table when dining al fresco? Look no further than this lovely yet pair of plates from Waverly. Whether you use them for a salad or dinner plate or as a vibrant presentation for cookies and other small desserts, the bright blue with a patterned border in a darker shade of blue will be the star of your table. 

These square plates are made from chip- and shatterproof melamine and they’re dishwasher-safe (top rack recommended). The set doesn’t include bowls or cups, leaving an opportunity to mix and match with other pieces you may already have. 

Product Details: Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Microwave Safe: No | Material: Melamine

Bamboo Land Bamboo Fiber Dinnerware Set

You might choose this lovely Bamboo Land Set for 2 on looks alone, but there’s an even better reason to buy it—it’s made from durable and sustainable bamboo material. 

This two-setting dishware is not only lightweight, but it’s also heat-resistant (just avoid the microwave) and can even be placed in the freezer. It’s dishwasher safe, too, though you can also hand wash them instead. 

This eight-piece set includes two each of a dinner plate, a salad/dessert place, a soup/salad bowl, and a small cup (3.8 x 3 inches). It’s offered in either green or khaki, which can fit in nicely with other serveware for a bright summertime table.

Product Details: Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Microwave Safe: No | Material: Bamboo fiber

Place Settings for Four

Better Homes & Gardens Botanical Dinnerware Set

The Better Homes & Gardens Botanical Dinnerware Set is a great option if you’re looking for dinnerware that’ll add a decorative touch to your tablescape. The 12-piece set features bowls and plates with a floral pattern that’ll pair well with your outdoor setting. 

Like other sets on this list, the melamine pieces are safe to use in the top rack of your dishwasher. The set, which is less expensive than other options of a similar size, includes four dinner plates, four cereal bowls, and four dinner bowls. There are no cups, however, so you’ll have to purchase a set to go with the pieces. 

Product Details: Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Microwave Safe: No | Material: Melamine

Certified International Talavera 12-Piece Melamine Dinnerware Set

This gorgeous 12-piece set from Certified International is a great way to serve your summertime feast. Although these dishes look like they’re handpainted ceramic, they’re actually made from durable melamine. 

This set has four 11-inch dinner plates, a 9-inch salad plates, and 7.5-inch dessert plates each. There are no cups, however, so you’ll have to have those handy. 

The gorgeous blue pattern—part of the Talavera collection by designer Nancy Green—varies among the three types of dishes, but all coordinate for a summer-inspired table. These plates are scratch-resistant and dishwasher-safe, making it easy to clean after a dinner party. 

Product Details: Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Microwave Safe: No | Material: Melamine

Strawria Wheat Straw Dinnerware Set

Upgrade from disposable dinnerware for your next barbecue with this set from Strawria. While many of the durable selections on our list are made from melamine, this set is made from straw. That might sound less likely to survive a dishwasher, but it’s safe there and in your microwave. 

The set contains four each of bowls, plates, and drinking cups, along with spoons, knives, chopsticks, and even a storage case, making it great for picnics or cookouts. It all comes in a beautiful blue that will lend a sophisticated look to any outdoor table this summer, though it’s not the best option if you prefer a brighter look for your tablescape. 

Product Details: Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Microwave Safe: Yes | Material: Straw

Buyer Star Stainless Steel Plate and Bowl Sets

Want to wow your guests with an outdoor table setting? This stainless steel set from Buyer Star should do the trick. This 16-piece set comes with four each of 9-inch plates, 5.1-inch bowls, and double-layer mugs. 

Although the set is more expensive than some other options, the pieces are made from stainless steel that’s durable and rust-resistant. They’re even dishwasher-safe, so cleanup is easy.

While these plates can handle hot food, you can’t reheat them in the microwave. We think the rose gold is beautiful for summer, but it also comes in gold, rainbow, and silver to add plenty of shiny flair to any tablescape.

Product Details: Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Microwave Safe: No | Material: Stainless steel

Gibson Home Soho Grayson Square Melamine Dinnerware Set

If you want your outdoor meals to look sleek and sophisticated, leave the porcelain dishes inside and set the table with this set from Gibson Home instead. 

Instead of traditional round plates and bowls, these are squares with rounded edges. But despite their elegant look, this melamine dinnerware is sturdy and durable for enjoying carefree gatherings al fresco.

This 16-piece set for four includes 10.5-inch dinner plates, 8.7-inch dessert plates, 6-inch bowls, and 20-ounce tumblers. It’s offered in green, light blue, and red, adding a pop of color to your table inside or out. Note that while these are safe to use on the top rack of a dishwasher, hand washing is recommended. 

Product Details: Dishwasher Safe: No | Microwave Safe: No | Material: Melamine

West Elm Modern Melamine Outdoor Dinnerware Collection

If your aesthetic skews towards modern, you’ll love this West Elm Melamine Outdoor Dinnerware Set. The set is offered in four colors and doesn’t have a pattern on it, so it’ll pair well with your table linens and decor. 

The 16-piece set is more expensive than some other picks, but it includes four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four cereal bowls. Note that there are no cups included, so you’ll have to purchase those separately. 

Like other melamine, these pieces are not safe to use in the microwave. However, you can wash these on the top rack of your dishwasher for easy clean up after a dinner party. 

Product Details: Dishwasher Safe: Yes | Microwave Safe: No | Material: Melamine

The Bottom Line

When choosing the best outdoor dinnerware sets for your needs, focus first on the type of dishes and number of settings you’ll need. Melamine reigns supreme in terms of durability and ease of care for outdoor dinnerware, though bamboo and wood are also worthy of your consideration.

What to Know About Outdoor Dinnerware Sets Before Shopping

Number of Settings Included

The number of dinnerware settings refers to how many people it can serve. Dinnerware often comes in sets of four, meaning four dishes, bowls, cups, etc., but there are single sets available, too. 

This dining set from Bamboozle includes one plate and two bowls in different sizes, so it’s a great option for those who live alone. If you’re entertaining others, however, you may consider the Better Homes & Gardens Botanical Dinnerware Set, which includes enough pieces to serve four people.

Dishwasher-/Microwave-Safe

Dinnerware that’s dishwasher- and/or microwave-safe makes life easier. While most—except for the wooden dinnerware—on our list are dishwasher-safe (top rack preferred), most are not microwave-safe. 

To keep your food safe and your dishes looking as good as they day you purchased them, make sure to adhere to the manufacturer’s care guidelines, which may include specific dish soaps/detergents to use or avoid.

Material

There’s a reason melamine dinnerware is seen frequently on our list: It’s lightweight, durable, and (usually) dishwasher safe. Bamboo, enamelware, and stainless steel also make for good dinnerware, especially sustainable bamboo that will make you rethink ever buying a plastic plate again.

Your Questions, Answered

How much can I expect to spend on an outdoor dinnerware set?

The prices vary on our list and depend on the brand as well as what’s in the set. If you’re buying pieces individually, like the Reactive Glaze Melanine Dinner Plates from Sur La Table, it could get pricey. 

Though larger sets can also be an investment, they’ll include multiple pieces of different styles and types, so you’ll hav everything you need.

How do you store outdoor dinnerware?

Many of the dinnerware selections on our list can be stacked for easy storage. However, you might want to do so carefully to avoid scratching the enamel or glazed finish. The one thing you don’t have to worry about is storing them to avoid cracking or chipping because it’ll take a lot to damage the sets on our list, especially if they’re made from wood or melamine.

Who We Are

Barbara Bellesi Zito is a freelance writer from Staten Island, New York, covering all things home and lifestyle for Better Homes & Gardens and other digital publications. To compile this list of best outdoor dinnerware sets, Barbara researched dozens of dishes, serving platters, and bowls from top retailers.