by Paul Chambers, Davidson Chambers Entertaining & Home | photos by Tanya Murchie –
It’s that time of the year again: time to dine outside, at the beach or on your boat. Just leave your old outdoor dinnerware and glassware in the box in the garage or donate it to charity; it’s time to update! Over the past few years, we have seen a massive transformation of what was considered to be tacky and cheap melamine into a product that you would be surprised is not the real thing. So where did this come from? Well, the pandemic helped push lots of hotel and restaurant suppliers to sell their products on the retail market, with little business due to no one travelling or eating out, and wow, did we get some hidden treasures – a much-improved product that you wouldn’t be embarrassed to use, even indoors. Let’s take a look at the three areas we have really seen an improvement in.
Serving Pieces
Well, summer is very much about entertaining, and you can never have enough serving items, so grab a few melamine ones. Once again, these are made of the same materials as the dinnerware. Options from a chip/dip platter with bowl to a wood-like melamine charcuterie board will mean no more using your good indoor breakable items for that cocktail party or picnic. Plus, there are so many options to choose from. Check out the Pampa Bay serving pieces that can even be used in the freezer.
Glassware
Game changer, once again. For the eye, these glasses make you look a second time. Lightweight, BPA free and shatterproof. Sole Acrylic Glassware by Fortessa not only looks like their amazing selling and signature Zwiesel Tour crystal glassware, but it will go into the dishwasher, not fog up, and even bounce off a concrete floor. From stemware (not glued together but molded as one piece) to a stemless wine glass and iced tea glass, this is everything you need for your outdoor bar or boat. Along with their Veranda collection, inspired by Mexican glassware, the margarita glass and pitcher is a must have.
Dinnerware
These stunning items will more than surprise you. To the eye, they are stoneware or porcelain. When you pick it up, you might still be thinking “this can’t be melamine dinnerware!” but it is. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe, kid-friendly and perfect for your outdoor table. From designs inspired by indoor dining collections, the colours, patterns and styles will suit whatever your taste is. There is just no excuse anymore for paper plates or cheap outdoor dinnerware that you bought at a dollar store. Plus, it’s so much better for the environment to buy products that will not end up in the landfill after a season of use. The Playa Blanc collection by Fortessa is a stunning example of what is on the market now.
