I Tested 11 Outdoor Dinnerware Sets—the Best Would Never Dream of Shattering at Your BBQ

Eating outside adds a little magic to any meal. A picnic table, a soft breeze—it all just feels right. And when you’re dining al fresco, serving kids, or eating in a place where you might be walking around barefoot, shatter-resistant outdoor dinnerware lends peace of mind.

To find the best outdoor dinnerware collections, I tested 11 sets in a range of prices and materials, and used them for outdoor meals and cookouts. Crucially, I tested how durable the dinnerware was when dropped, and if it resisted scratches and stains. I also considered the aesthetics of the dinnerware, hoping to find sets that would match a variety of tastes.

The Winners, at a Glance

The Best Outdoor Dinnerware Set

Lenox Blue Bay Melamine Dinnerware Set

$150 $131 at Amazon

Beautiful, elegant design? Check. Dishes that can handle drops? Check. Scratch-resistant? Check. Easy to clean? Check. This set from Lenox passed every test, making it an easy pick for my top winner.

Another Great Outdoor Dinnerware Set

Year & Day The Outdoor Core Set

View on Yearandday.com

This 12-piece set from Year & Day is made from plant starch and bamboo, and it didn’t get a single scratch when I tried to ruin it with a steak knife. Plus, I loved the plates’ sloped design helped keep the beans and mac and cheese from sliding off while I were walking around.

The Best Splurge Outdoor Dinnerware Set

Lulu & Georgia Tara Melamine Dinnerware Set

View on Luluandgeorgia.com

Lulu & Georgia’s earth-toned outdoor dinnerware set was durable and scratch-resistant. This 12-piece set includes dinner plates, accent plates, and bowls—all with sloped sides that helped keep food in place, even when making the trip from the grill to the picnic table.

The Best Budget Outdoor Dinnerware Set

Tevio Plastic Wheat Straw Dinnerware Set

$33 $30 at Amazon

You won’t have to worry about shattering the dishes in this outdoor dinnerware collection from Tevio—they’re all lightweight and easy to carry. They’re also made from durable wheat straw plastic that can handle accidental drops. At under $30 for the entire 32-piece set, these reusable cups, plates, and bowls are a great alternative to plastic or paper.

The Best Outdoor Dinnerware Set for Hosting

Certified International Radiance Teal Melamine Dinnerware Set

$96 $57 at Amazon $62 at Wayfair $130 at Kohls.com

If you’re hosting a dinner party, guests will notice the detailed designs on this set from Certified International. And it’s not just about looks; they held up well in my tests and survived a few tumbles when I dropped them.

The Tests

• Unboxing Test: I examined the pieces included in each set, checking for imperfections, scratches, and other unwanted blips. I also reviewed each set’s assortment—what kinds of pieces were included in the set, and how many—then weighed each piece, considering how its size, shape, and weight would affect the experience of trotting back and forth from the grill to a picnic table.
• Drop Test: To assess the durability of the dinnerware sets, I dropped one of each piece included in the collection from hip height onto the kitchen floor, then inspected each dish for any marks, cracks, or dings.
• Staining Test: Could the dishes withstand condiments? I smeared dinner plates from each set with a dollop of barbecue sauce mixed with ketchup, then left them out at room temperature for three hours. After washing them with a sponge and dish soap, I checked for staining.
• Hot Foods Test: It’s not a proper picnic without an overloaded plate. I doled out servings of baked beans and macaroni and cheese onto a side plate from each set, then took them for a walk to see what it was like to hold the heavy, hot plates one-handed and in motion. 
• Scratch Test: I ran a steak knife over a plate from each set 10 times, as though slicing through steak or chicken breast, and then checked for scratches.

What We Learned

Size, Shape, and Assortment Made a Big Difference

Like with any dinnerware set, the size and shape of each piece really matter. Many of the sets I tested had dinner plates that were just too big to be practical, like the enamel one from Cinsa, which felt more like a pizza pan or serving platter. The bowl sizes and shapes also made a difference. Some sets had lower, wider pasta bowls, while others had deeper soup bowls. The best sets, like those from Lenox and Year & Day, had dinner plates that were generously sized at 10.5 inches in diameter, plus smaller accent plates around eight inches wide, ideal for a side salad or a hearty scoop of baked beans.

I preferred plates with rims that had sloped sides. They were easier to carry during the hot food tests and helped keep beans and mac and cheese from sliding off while I walked around. The most versatile outdoor dinnerware sets came with four to six place settings, usually including dinner plates, side plates, bowls, and tumblers. 

Melamine Is Durable, But Not Completely Shatterproof

Melamine has been a go-to for outdoor dinnerware for decades—and for good reason. It’s lightweight, fairly affordable, dishwasher-safe, and sturdy enough for use by the pool. Most of my top picks, like the sets from Lenox and Lulu & Georgia, are made from melamine and held up just fine during the drop test. But that’s not true across the board. The sets from Fable New York, Made In, and West Elm all shattered when I dropped them.

Lightweight Sets Are Convenient for Outdoor Gatherings 

Whether you’re weaving through a crowd in the backyard or handing off a plate of franks and beans to your eight-year-old nephew, lightweight plates are key. When dishes get too heavy—like the ones from West Elm and Made In—you’re more likely to drop them, which can lead to chips, scuffs, or breaks. I preferred lightweight picks, like the sets from Tevio and Lenox. Tevio’s plates weigh only four ounces each, making them a great choice for kids or elderly relatives who need something easier to carry.

The Criteria: What to Look for in an Outdoor Dinnerware Set

Start by looking for an outdoor dinnerware set with all the basics—dinner plates, accent plates, bowls (pasta bowls are a nice perk), and cups. Once you’ve got that covered, focus on durability. Most of my top picks are made from melamine and held up well in my drop tests. I leaned toward lightweight sets since they’re easier to carry and less likely to get dropped. While stylish sets like those from Lenox and Certified International stood out, I also liked simpler options, such as Tevio—those are lightweight and great for kids or older guests who need something easier to hold. I also appreciated plates with rims to keep food from sliding off, and dishwasher-safe materials for easy cleanup after hosting.

Our Favorite Outdoor Dinnerware Sets

The Best Outdoor Dinnerware Set

Lenox Blue Bay Melamine Dinnerware Set

$150 $131 at Amazon

What we liked: This gorgeous blue and white set from Lenox includes dinner plates, accent plates, bowls, and tumblers that serve four. When I laid them out, I couldn’t stop admiring the beautiful design. They felt smooth and high-quality. But it’s not just about looks—this set proved durable too. I dropped every piece, and none were damaged.  No marks appeared during the scratch test either. Plus, the dinner plates weigh about 10 ounces, making them easy to carry around. Thanks to the sloped sides, I didn’t have to worry about beans or creamy mac and cheese spilling. I also appreciate that this set is dishwasher-safe.

What we didn’t like: During the drop test, one of the tumblers got a small chip on the rim, but it wasn’t noticeable enough to consider it damaged; you can see that in the photo below.

Key Specs

• Number of pieces: 16
• Types of pieces: 4 dinner plates, 4 side plates, 4 cereal bowls, 4 tumblers
• Materials: Melamine
• Care instructions: Dishwasher-safe. Not microwave-safe.

Another Great Outdoor Dinnerware Set

Year & Day The Outdoor Core Set

View on Yearandday.com

What we liked: This plastic-free outdoor dinnerware set is a great pick if you’re trying to avoid potentially toxic materials. It’s made from plant starch and bamboo but has a ceramic-like feel. It comes in three earthy shades—green, white, and clay orange—so you can choose one that fits your style. When I carried plates loaded with mac and cheese and beans, I were surprised by how lightweight they were. The dinner plate weighs just nine ounces. The edges have a rim, so food stayed put, and cleanup was quick—no stains, no grime, and everything’s dishwasher-safe.

What we didn’t like: After the drop test, there were some minor scuffs, and after the scratch test, I noticed some marks left behind.

Key Specs

• Number of pieces: 16
• Types of pieces: 4 dinner plates, 4 side plates, 4 small bowls, 4 big bowls
• Materials: Plant starch and bamboo
• Care instructions: Dishwasher- and microwave-safe. 

The Best Splurge Outdoor Dinnerware Set:

Lulu & Georgia Tara Melamine Dinnerware Set

View on Luluandgeorgia.com

What we liked: This set from Lulu & Georgia has a handmade, artisanal vibe—like something you’d find at a maker’s market. I loved the earthy tones, the plates’ sloped sides, and the roomy bowls. They’re surprisingly sturdy, too. None of the pieces were damaged during my drop test, and even after running a steak knife across the surface, I didn’t see any scratches. They’re dishwasher-safe, but during testing, all the grime came off easily with a quick hand-wash.

What we didn’t like: After dropping one of the plates from this collection, I noticed a small chip on the rim.

Key Specs

• Number of pieces: 12
• Types of pieces: 4 dinner plates, 4 side plates, 4 cereal bowls
• Materials: Melamine and bamboo
• Care instructions: Dishwasher-safe. Not microwave-safe.

The Best Budget Outdoor Dinnerware Set

Tevio Plastic Wheat Straw Dinnerware Set

$33 $30 at Amazon

What we liked: If you’re looking for a minimalist set, this one’s got your name on it. It comes in a range of solid colors—black, grey, blue, and brown—so it won’t clash with a bold tablecloth. This reusable 32-piece set costs under $30, which is comparable to the price of a few packs of plastic or paper plates, cups, and bowls. They were the lightest dishes I tested, with the dinner plate weighing just four ounces. They held up well in my drop tests without any cracks or chips. The plates have high sides, too, so when I loaded them up with mac and cheese and beans, everything stayed put. Cleanup was easy, and they’re dishwasher-safe.

What we didn’t like: After using a knife to mimic cutting into a piece of chicken or steak on one of the dinner plates, I noticed a few scratches. Also, compared to some of the other outdoor dinnerware sets I tested, this one had a cheaper feel.

Key Specs

• Number of pieces: 32
• Types of pieces: 8 dinner plates, 8 side plates, 8 bowls, 8 tumblers
• Materials: Wheat straw, plastic
• Care instructions: Dishwasher-safe. Not microwave-safe.
  

The Best Outdoor Dinnerware Set for Hosting

Certified International Radiance Teal Melamine Dinnerware Set

$96 $57 at Amazon $62 at Wayfair $130 at Kohls.com

What we liked: This set is stunning. The coastal teal pattern on all the dishes is ideal for summer gatherings. The plates and bowls have a glazed finish that makes them feel really high-quality. Beyond looks, none of the dishes cracked or shattered during the drop test. The plates were roomy and had slightly sloped sides, so when I piled mac and cheese and beans on the accent plates, I didn’t have to worry about food slipping off. Plus, they cleaned up quickly thanks to their smooth texture.

What we didn’t like: During the drop test, minor scuffs showed up, but what was more concerning was the scratch test—a few big marks stuck and messed up the artsy design on the plate.

Key Specs

• Number of pieces: 12
• Types of pieces: 4 dinner plates, 4 side plates, 4 cereal bowls
• Materials: Melamine
• Care instructions: Dishwasher-safe. Not microwave-safe.
  

The Competition

• Sicily Red Outdoor Melamine 12-Piece Dinnerware Set: Although pretty, intricately patterned, and satisfyingly solid-feeling, it’s pretty expensive, and since my testing it has been discontinued. 
• Cinsa 16-Piece Enameled Outdoor Dinnerware Set: Camp vibes are always in, but these enamel dishes weren’t quite right—sizing that didn’t make sense, bumpy glazing, and uncomfortable to hold when full of hot food.
• Fable New York Colorful Bamboo Dinnerware Set: I liked the whimsical hues of this outdoor dinnerware set, but unfortunately, it didn’t perform as well as other collections. During the drop and scratch tests, noticeable scuffs and marks showed up that were hard to ignore. Plus, when I loaded the side plates with mac and cheese and baked beans, the low rims and small size made them tricky to transport food around.
• Made In Outdoor Dining Collection: Almost every piece in this collection shattered completely during the drop test, so I couldn’t name it a winner.
• West Elm Kaloh Melamine Outdoor Dinnerware Set: Like the Made In set, this one from West Elm had pieces that completely broke during the drop test.
• Tarhong Planta Organic Outdoor Dinnerware Set: I noticed a few scuffs during the drop test, but what really held this set back was the fact that you have to order each piece separately to build a full collection. On top of that, only dinner plates and low bowls are available online right now.

FAQs

Are outdoor dinnerware sets shatterproof?

Most outdoor dinnerware sets won’t promise that they’re shatterproof, but they are generally shatter-resistant. After all, they’re designed to be used poolside and on patios! This also makes them a good choice for regular use, inside and out, with kids. 

What is outdoor dinnerware made from?

Outdoor dinnerware has most often been made from plastic or melamine, a kind of plastic (more on that below). But as more brands think about sustainability, outdoor dinnerware is becoming available in other materials, like bamboo, corn, wheat, and other kinds of plant starches (like two of my top picks, from Tevio and Year & Day). But even most of the “eco” dishes have a little bit of plastic or melamine in them, which helps bind the starches and makes the dishes dishwasher-safe. 

What is melamine?

Melamine is a kind of plastic (C₃H₆N₆, if you really want to know). It’s approved by the FDA for use in lots of food-adjacent functions and formats, like cooking utensils, plastic products, and paper. Keep in mind that not all melamine is BPA-free; many brands, such as Lenox, indicate if they are using BPA-free melamine.

Is outdoor dinnerware non-toxic?

Most outdoor dinnerware sets, like my winner from Lenox, are made from melamine, and if you take care of them properly, they are relatively safe. However, if you regularly use these sets to serve acidic foods, such as tomato dishes or citrus salads, or heat them in the microwave, some chemicals can slowly leach into your food over time, which isn’t ideal for your health. If you’re looking for something relatively non-toxic, I recommend the set from Year & Day. It’s made from plant starch and bamboo, and it’s microwave-safe, so you don’t have to worry about heat or acidic foods affecting the material.

Can you reuse bamboo dinnerware?

You sure can! As long as it’s bamboo dinnerware that is made to be reused, like the set from Year & Day. There are other styles of bamboo dinnerware often used by caterers that are designed to be single-use and less expensive than reusable sets.

Is outdoor dinnerware dishwasher-safe?

All the outdoor dinnerware sets I named winners in this review are dishwasher-safe. But to avoid stains, I recommend giving them a quick hand-wash before loading them into your dishwasher, especially if you notice any sauces clinging to the dishes.

Why We're the Experts

• Ashia Aubourg is a Serious Eats contributor with experience reviewing cooking gear and working in kitchens (and farms!). Her work with Serious Eats spans gift guides, educational pieces, and product reviews. She recently fried tons of eggs, seared several pork chops, and made pounds of pasta to find the best non-toxic cookware sets.
• Caroline Lange is a writer who has spent more than 10 years working in food media, including as a recipe tester for a variety of publications, including the New York Times. She contributed testing and research to this review.
• We first tested outdoor dinnerware sets in August 2024. We recently retested our winners and new contenders and republished this review with our new findings.