The Best Outdoor Dinnerware Sets To Bring To The Park, Patio Or Campsite

Materials: Wheat straw and plastic | What’s included: 8 dinner plates, 8 dessert plates, 8 bowls, 8 cups | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Microwave safe: No

Pros:

• Available in more than two dozen colors
• Freezer safe

Cons:

• Cups are on the smaller end
• Microwaving not recommended

There’s no need to sacrifice style for durability with this 32-piece Tevio set, which is made from a combination of wheat straw and BPA-free plastic that can withstand the demands of everyday use. Plus, it comes in a wide array of colors—we’re talking 30-plus. The pieces are lightweight but still have the look of their heavier ceramic counterparts, thanks to the textured exterior. And like ceramic, these can go in the dishwasher for breezy cleanup.

Among this set’s best features is the raised lips on both the dinner and dessert plates, which ensure that food doesn’t slide off when you need it to stay put—for example, as you’re carrying it around the deck or passing it to the other end of the patio table. It also makes them versatile enough to use with an array of dishes, from juicy tomato salads to your favorite summertime pasta. Lastly, matching cups are included in the set, so there’s no need to look for additional outdoor-friendly drinkware.

Material: Polypropylene | What’s included: 6 plates, 6 bowls, 6 forks, 6 spoons | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Microwave safe: Yes (for reheating)

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Comes in fun, vibrant colorways
• Can be purchased as a set or individually

Cons:

• Scratches easily
• Included flatware is kid-sized

If you’re in the market for dinnerware that combines durability with affordability, look no further than Target’s Pillowfort line. This 24-piece set—which includes plates, bowls, forks and spoons—is technically part of the brand’s kids’ collection, but it works wonderfully as an outdoor option. (Just note that the flatware is designed for small hands.) Available in “cool” and “warm” hues, the BPA-free plastic plates are sturdy yet lightweight, with rimmed edges that prevent food from slipping off. Lastly, the set is both dishwasher and microwave safe, saving you time and hassle when it comes to cleanup and reheating. 

My 5-year-old has been using Pillowfort dinnerware since he was a baby, and we haven’t had to replace any pieces. They don’t stain, even after saucy meals, and they haven’t warped in the dishwasher. What’s more, I often reach for one of the plates to use for snacks when I need something lightweight that I don’t have to be too precious about.

Materials: Plant starch and bamboo | What’s included: 4 big plates, 4 small plates, 4 big bowls, 4 small bowls | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Microwave safe: Yes

Pros:

• Made from plant-based materials
• Modern design
• Matching serving ware is available separately

Cons:

• Pricey
• Limited colors
• Pieces cannot be purchased individually

Year & Day is known for making high-quality ceramic dinnerware with a modern look and feel, and these features are present in the brand’s Outdoor Core Set. Featuring an elegant, minimalist design available in three nature-inspired hues (a timeless off-white, sage green and muted orange), the plates and bowls are ideal for hosts who want the look of ceramic without the worry of chips and nicks. 

Beyond aesthetics, this 16-piece set is also crafted with eco-friendly materials. Made from plant starches and bamboo, it’s a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic or melamine dinnerware; the material is even biodegradable. The collection comes with four settings, and additional plates and bowls can be purchased separately (though not individually). There’s also matching serveware for those who want a cohesive outdoor entertaining setup.

What our expert says: Passante is a fan of this collection’s design and versatility. “They look like ceramic dishes, but they are shatterproof and lightweight,” she says. “They’re durable and won’t break, making them perfect for picnics, camping or backyard gatherings.”

Material: Bamboo | What’s included: 4 plates | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Microwave safe: No

Pros:

• Fun prints
• Sustainable non-toxic material

Cons:

• Cannot be microwaved
• Only plates are currently available

Made from degradable bamboo fibers, these Nook Theory plates are a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastic outdoor dinnerware. The material is free of BPAs, phthalates, PVC and lead, so you can serve meals on these without worry. Bamboo is also lightweight and shatterproof, plus these plates can be placed in the dishwasher (just not the microwave). 

But what makes Nook Theory’s collection really stand out is its fun designs. There are more than a dozen colorful prints available, ranging from the trendy (a speckled terrazzo) to the quirky (illustrations of cats and dogs). Just note that the collection is plates only.

Material: Enamel | What’s included: 4 plates | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Microwave safe: No

Pros:

• Retro design
• Can be used in the oven or on an open flame

Cons:

• Not microwavable
• Not available as a full dinnerware set

Enamelware has been trusted for generations and for good reason—the material perfectly blends functionality with style. London’s Falcon is one of the most recognizable enamel dinnerware makers, and the brand’s pieces are known to last a long time. The reason for this is the material itself—enamelware is made with a steel core that’s surrounded by porcelain so the plates won’t break if dropped (although they will chip). They can also withstand high and low temperatures so you can pop them into an outdoor oven for cooking or store leftovers directly in the fridge and freezer.

Although enamel is lightweight, it still has more heft than plastic or bamboo, making it the best of both worlds if you want elevated dinnerware that’s still shatterproof. There aren’t as many color options as plastic or bamboo, but the all-white plates do come with a few rim options. No matter which you go with, the classic shape is timeless and can work with any entertaining setup.

Material: Melamine | What’s included: 4 dinner plates, 4 salad plates, 4 pasta bowls, 4 cereal bowls | Dishwasher safe: Yes (top rack only) | Microwave safe: No

Pros:

• Bright, fun colors
• Raised rims to prevent spilling

Cons:

• Cannot be microwaved
• Pieces not sold individually

Summer is prime time for bold colors, and these West Elm melamine bowls and plates come in an array of vibrant hues. Designed with a sleek, modern aesthetic, the pieces in this collection offer the sophisticated look of fine dinnerware with the added benefit of exceptional durability. 

Crafted from high-quality melamine, the dinnerware is both lightweight and resistant to chips and cracks, making it ideal for outdoor dining. Meanwhile, raised rims on the plates make it easier to move around with and helps prevent spills. The angled shape and clean lines of the pieces add a touch of elegance to any meal, whether it’s a casual brunch on the patio or a formal dinner party. 

Material: Ceramic | What’s included: 6 entree plates, 6 salad plates, 6 big bowls, 6 cereal bowls | Dishwasher safe: Yes | Microwave safe: Yes

Pros:

• Can also be used as main dinnerware
• Many sizes and colors to choose from

Cons:

• Expensive
• Heavy

Fans of The Bear will likely recognize the gorgeous ceramic plates and bowls from Jono Pandolfi. But long before his dinnerware made its appearance on the hit FX show, the New Jersey-based potter was already taking orders from some of the country’s top restaurants. So while this dinnerware set is ceramic, it’s designed to withstand the rough handling that occurs in professional kitchens. 

Solid in a set of 24, these pieces are exceptionally well-made and, as Pandolfi has demonstrated, they’re as sturdy as they are handsome. Opting for dinnerware that’s not outdoor-specific also means there are more options to choose from. Pandolfi has two lines: the rounded, sloped Coupe (first created for Michelin-starred chef Daniel Humm) and the more modern Square Sided, and both are available in two colors and four standard glazes. What’s more, you can purchase one of the pre-set bundles or mix and match according to your needs and style.

I own several Jono Pandolfi pieces, including the square plates and oval platters, and can attest to their sturdiness. While I don’t toss them on top of one another like Pandolfi does, I do have a young child who’s knocked them into each other at the dinner table, and they have yet to chip or scratch.