The best outdoor dinnerware you can buy

Add a rustic touch to your summer soirees with this affordable 12-piece set from Yinshine.

Want something new, but with a well-worn patina? This set includes four 7-inch small bowls, four 8-inch salad plates, and four 10-inch dinner plates. The design has a charming, rustic vibe that suits al fresco events, and it's available in three versatile colors; blue, green and light yellow. Plus it's BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and affordable. The pieces look like old-school metal camping dishware, but they're melamine.

One Amazon buyer said the items are "much heavier than any melamine I've ever seen." Overall, users seem satisfied, especially considering this is a budget buy, but a few customer reviewers also mentioned that these plates and bowls may be more prone to scratching than a higher-priced product.

Pros: Affordable, full set, three color options, unique design

Cons: Prone to scratching

When a special occasion calls for a more sophisticated design, opt for Bezu's 12-piece dinnerware set.

With a vibrant design that's inspired by lush Mediterranean dinnerware, these pieces will instantly elevate your tablescape, whether you're hosting an intimate dinner party or a casual weekend brunch. This BPA-free, chip-resistant, and dishwasher-safe set includes four 11-inch dinner plates, four 9-inch salad plates, and four 7.5-inch bowls.

This set has a high satisfaction rating among Wayfair shoppers. In addition to the design, the heavier weight gives these dishes a higher-quality feel. Some have even gifted them for weddings and housewarming parties.

"At first it's hard to tell that they are melamine and not ironstone. I have never been a fan of melamine because they have always seemed so flimsy, but these are very substantial," one buyer wrote.

Pros: Weight and design resembles ceramic dinnerware, larger sizes, high-quality design

Cons: Pricey, no coordinating options for serving platters or bowls.

Parhoma's 12-piece melamine set is ideal for people who entertain frequently or prefer the convenience and ease of chip-resistant and stain-proof dinnerware indoors.

If you are looking for sturdy everyday dinnerware that works both indoors and outdoors, this 12-piece from Parhoma set is a great option. The set contains four 10.5-inch dinner plates, four 8.5-inch salad plates, and four 6.25-inch bowls — all BPA-free, lightweight, chip-resistant, stain-proof, and dishwasher-safe, so it's perfect for the dining room or patio. Its modern, textured design complements any decor.

Buyers said the Parhoma dishes are excellent for anyone who is prone to breaking plates. "I purchased this set for my 87-year-old mother," one Amazon reviewer said. "She was having difficulty lifting her heavier ceramic dishes." Another buyer said, "These plates are really good quality. They look even better in person than in the picture. We use them every day and save my heavier glass ones for special occasions."

One customer even admitted, "Didn't realize they were plastic when I ordered them but decided to keep anyway because they were really nice."

Pros: Affordable, lightweight, sleek design

Cons: Not as solid as other melamine dinnerware, may show wear and tear more quickly

If you truly care about presentation and want the highest-quality melamine for your outdoor entertaining, the Q Squared Heritage is the best option for unbreakable dinnerware.

If you prefer restaurant-quality design and feel, you may appreciate Q Squared's Heritage 12-piece dinnerware set. Each BPA-free piece is hand-polished for a high-gloss finish that's resistant to heat and shattering, and dishwasher safe. The set includes four 11-inch dinner plates, four 9-inch salad plates, and four 6.5-inch cereal bowls, making this a great housewarming or wedding gift for anyone who loves outdoor entertaining.

Amazon reviewers raved about the look and feel and the design versatility of the chinoiserie pattern. While this set is considerably more expensive than the others we picked, its manufacturer, Q Squared, is considered the industry leader in luxury melamine and has set the bar high in terms of safety, quality, and design. All designs are created in small batches, using the strictest standards and materials and natural dyes. They also offer excellent customer service and a great return policy if you're not 100% satisfied with your purchase.

Pros: Beautiful design, high-quality materials, resembles fancy dinnerware

Cons: Expensive