Guest Picks: 20 Almost-Unbreakable Mealtime Pieces

I love to gather friends, family and neighbors together to watch as the sun sinks into the horizon on warm summer nights. I revel in the chaos of children running in and out of the house and yard, flashlight tag and conversations over the fire pit or barbecue. I've been noticing that if I have designated entertaining items at the beginning of summer, impromptu gatherings and entertaining are a breeze, and if they're shatterproof, all the better. I typically prepare a big crate of some kind and stock it with utensils, melamine plates, glassware, platters, napkins and the like. I'd love to share a few items that can help you set a casual yet stylish outdoor entertaining area with just a bit of planning, and no broken glass invited. — Sasha from Lemonade Makin' Mama

Jelli Green Flatware - $1.95 » I love the cheerful apple green color of this flatware set. And hopefully the bright pop on the ends will keep them from getting tossed into the trash by accident — not that that's ever happened before.


Ikat Dot Dinner Napkins, Navy » I love the playful ikat pattern on these cloth napkins. I always feel like cloth napkins in pretty designs turn ordinary gatherings into instant parties.


Sea Glass Outdoor Drinkware - $28.00 » Just looking at these shatterproof glasses makes me feel refreshed. They look just like sea glass, and the best part is that they are dishwasher safe, making for quick cleanup when guests depart.


Outdoor Metal Drink Bucket - $29.00 » This is one of my favorite entertaining pieces. It's really versatile, and I like to store it on a potting bench that I use when entertaining. I fill it with all manner of items: drinks, ice cream in Mason jars, beach paraphernalia and picnic supplies. It holds a lot!


Nested Wooden Storage Boxes » To make prep work easier as I gather supplies for casual entertaining, I keep a nice crate on hand to keep everything organized. These are charming and rustic.


Enamelware Dinnerware Set - $24.00 » I'm a no-fuss kind of girl when it comes to entertaining. I tend to enjoy straightforward food, simple decorations and lighthearted conversation. I find this enamel dinnerware to be a great choice because it pairs easily with all kinds of decor and lets the food speak for itself.


Galvanized Metal 6-Pack Bottle Caddy - $29.50 » First, I love that this bottle caddy would look fantastic inside or out, all year-round. Second, it's a great item to have stocked up with a couple bottles of wine, some sparkling water and lemonade. Then, you can be assured that you've got your drink options covered the next time the occasion for spontaneous entertaining arises.


Marimekko Pieni Unikko Turquoise Placemat - $26.00 » My picnic table is plain white, so I am always looking for a way to add some interesting pops of color. The darker colors in this placemat design make it wonderful for messy children.


Blonde Cutting Board with Handle - $48.00 » Every time I need to slice a lime or tomato, I find myself hunting for a cutting board. These come in several sizes, so a couple of small ones would be perfect additions to tuck into my outdoor entertaining crate.


La Med Melamine Salad Bowls - $59.95 » I eat a lot of salad in the summer months and they can get a little repetitive over time. These brightly colored salad bowls will not break and might even add a little excitement to the next salad night.


Napkins, Black » I would probably save these casually elegant black and white napkins for special outdoor entertaining occasions, rather than hot dogs and s'mores. They would be perfect for book club night with a simple table setting and some white candles flickering.


DuraClear Margarita Glasses, Multicolored - $59.95 » Speaking of book club night — these shatterproof margarita glasses make the cut for party-ready preparation. The best part is that everyone will be able to remember the color of their own glass and avoid misplacing their drinks!


Sea Glass Outdoor Salad Plates - $28.00 » I have a slight obsession with sea glass hunting whenever I'm near the ocean. These pretty plates are the color of sea glass, plus they are unbreakable.


Nito Chip & Dip Tray - $49.00 » Snacking guests are happy guests. I love setting out nibbles while final food preparations are happening. This easy-clean chip and dip tray is a nice size for holding a variety of appetizers.


Outdoor Metal Rectangular Tray - $19.00 » Some things can't be prepared until the last minute, so I use a roomy tray to gather condiments and other miscellaneous items. That way, I have an easy way to transport them outside.


Threshold Grillmaster Picnic Utensil and Napkin Holder Picnic Caddy, Red - $9.99 » This melamine caddy is one of my favorite items. It looks sweetly vintage, and it's dishwasher safe.


Three-quart Pitcher - $34.50 » I love the simplicity of this unbreakable pitcher. The best part, for me, is that it also has a lid — nobody likes fishing drunk flies out of their sangria.


Rope Melamine Serving Set - $18.50 » I could buy a set of these serving utensils in each color. They look like porcelain but are actually melamine and are so pretty with their subtle detailing.


Omväxlande Tray - $11.99 » I am always hunting for a platter to hand to the man behind the barbecue. Next time that happens, I'll be prepared with this softly hued metal tray.


Trimaran Stripe Denim/Ivory Indoor/Outdoor Pillow - $48.00 » You can't forget some cushy pillows for the comfort of your guests as you entertain. These days, it's easy to find outdoor fabrics that are anything but boring. A classic stripe is always my first pick.

Next: DIY Project: Reinvented Party Table

URL: Guest Picks: 20 Almost-Unbreakable Mealtime Pieces http://www.decor-ideas.org/cases-view-id-18476.html