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Guest Picks: Melamine Serveware
20 almost-indestructible plates, trays, bowls and tumblers to dress the table — indoors or out
I live in a loft in Brooklyn, a recent transplant to Greenpoint (love my neighborhood!). I work as a freelance writer, blogger, stylist, gilder, and crafter. I curate a daily personal lifestyle blog called the Haystack Needle (http://www.thehaystackneedleonline.com). I'm also one half of the shop Cabin 7 (http://www.shopcabin7.com) — a collection of gilded objects for the home. I started out in magazines, working in the home department of Real Simple magazine and later worked as the home editor of Redbook. I love to scout cool finds for the home — everything from an amazing loveseat to a green laundry detergent that really works. I'm a new mama to our baby girl, Juniper, who amazes me every day with her curiosity for life and big smiles.
I live in a loft in Brooklyn, a recent transplant to Greenpoint (love my... More »
Melamine is much more than lightweight, shatterproof plastic. It's your go-to portable serveware to pack a picnic or dine al fresco. When you're setting the table for a party, melamine feels like a notch above disposable paper plates or plastic cups, yet the dishes are casually playful and affordable to buy in sets. The real reason to love melamine? The patterns! The colors! These melamine serving dishes turn up the dial on summer entertaining in style. — Jen from The Haystack Needle
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The shape of these tumblers reminds me of glasses you'd find at a French cafe. I love the rainbow of color options. I'd mix and match colors at the table.
by French Bull
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French Bull has built its collection around melamine — and it shows. This modern rose pattern is just one of more than a dozen designs for plates.
by Anthropologie
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If I had space in my cupboards, this is the melamine set I'd want to own. The bold pattern looks bohemian chic.
by Jonathan Adler
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I'm typically not a holiday platter girl who gets excited about themed dishes such as Christmas plates and Easter bowls. But this Jonathan Adler platter set in their mod USA pattern has a fun patriotic twist to its design.
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Bongenre is a great source for melamine dishware that doesn't look like typical plastic dishes. A set of these plates would be perfect for a tapas party.
These tumblers bring you back to the original use for melamine: packing a picnic! The design of the cups feels inspired by the plastic cups we all recognize.
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Color names are sometimes a perfect fit. This melamine plate is called "Lemonade," and it certainly stirs up dreams of summer.
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Long trays are perfect in the bedroom, entryway or bathroom to corral items such as keys, mail, jewelry or little odds and ends. This tray organizes in style; it looks like a painting.
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This alphabet set of coasters features images of typography from roadside signs. This would make a fun, unexpected housewarming gift.
by Furbish Studio
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My favorite place to visit in the summer is Maine. From the lighthouses to the lobster, being by the sea is the perfect way to spend hot summer days. So I'm loving these Thomas Paul plates that have a vintage twist on the nautical theme.
by French Bull
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These colorful plaid plates will definitely stand out at a place setting. I'd set them on a white or wood table so the patterns pop.
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For nautical lovers, these plates are a whimsical spin on the motif. The designs feel timeless.
by Jonathan Adler
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What a juicy color combination. This melamine bowl is the perfect dish to serve summer pasta salad.
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This melamine tray is quite an eye-catcher; it feels very one of a kind. And the colors remind me of summer tomatoes and plums.
by World Market
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This handled tray is a useful serving piece to have on hand for a cocktail party. But let's call out its best use: a TV tray with a yellow ikat design that will instantly upgrade that plate of leftovers.
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Because everything is more special when it's personalized, you can add a little customization to these melamine plates. I was already sold with the blue gingham pattern.
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by Pottery Barn
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| Here's another example of melamine that appears ceramic from afar, thanks to its sophisticated design. It has both looks and function rolled into one. |
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I adore these illustrated plates. They're perfect for a kid's room, but frankly, I want to hang the sun on my kitchen wall.
by Williams-Sonoma
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This melamine plate goes against the grain with its more traditional design and lack of saturated Crayola colors. I love that melamine now comes in fancy patterns like this.
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Here's the perfect tray set for your entryway table or home office — keep track of what's coming in and what's going out.
Next: Your Spring and Summer Party Checklist
Next: Your Spring and Summer Party Checklist
Ideabook published on May 26, 2012.
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They are melamine but even the feel (texture) reminds you of the paper plate.