Melamine dishes made it possible to live life on the patio without fear of destroying the good china. Learn how this functional dishware became a staple for casual dining in the 1950s and beyond.

This color change occurs at concentrations as low as 2.5 parts-per-billion, which is about three times lower than the safety level set by the US Food and Drug Administration.

From light-colored wood like white oak, alder, or beech to dark wood such as walnut or cherry, wood has a textured, organic look from its grain and minor variations in color.

Even if you go for a bold hue, solid-color melamine plates are still subtle and sophisticated. Modern Melamine Outdoor Dinner Plates, Set of 4. $34. West Elm. Threshold 10.5-Inch Dinner Plate. $3.