Outdoor Entertaining Essentials For Your Next Al Fresco Feast

Dining al fresco is always a good idea. It's a great way to enjoy the weather, revel in delicious meals, and create fun, lasting memories with family and friends. But to make your outdoor dining even more special, you'll need a few things for your table setting. 

From rustic, earth-toned plates that blend seamlessly with natural elements, to sleek, modern designs that make a statement under the stars, your choice in dinnerware and glassware serves as the canvas for your culinary creations. Let's set the table for a stylish outdoor gathering with these tabletop essentials:

Melamine Dinnerware

Melamine plates are a great choice for outdoor dining. It's a lightweight, shatterproof material similar to ceramic but can handle bumps, drops, and even the occasional tumble off the table. 

This type of dinnerware material balances style with practicality because of its lightweight yet durable construction. Unlike other materials, melamine also doesn't absorb heat from plated foods, so you won’t have to worry about getting your hands burnt. 

At Crate and Barrel, you’ll find melamine dinnerware that has finishes similar to real stoneware, fine porcelain, or wood. Here is the essential melamine dinnerware you need:

• Dinner Plates: Set the table with style and functionality with plates crafted from high-quality melamine. Opt for big melamine plates for your main course meals.

• Salad Plates: A salad plate is smaller in size for sides and salads. Mix and match different melamine plate designs and colors to reflect your style in your garden brunch, barbeque, or dinner tablescape.

• Serving Bowls & Plates: Ideal for serving salads, snacks, side dishes, or anything else you're sharing, melamine bowls are versatile and essential for any gathering. 

Acrylic Drinkware

Acrylic glassware is another fantastic option for outdoor entertaining. It's clear and looks similar to glass, but it’s shatterproof, making it a safe choice for outdoor gatherings and garden events. Aside from its durability and break-resistant material, acrylic drinkware is BPA-free and great for enjoying refreshments without worry, whether drinking juice, cocktails, wine, or champagne:

• Acrylic Drinking Glasses: These come in all sizes, so you can find ones that fit your favorite refreshments. Choose from various styles such as highball glasses and cooler glasses.

• Acrylic Wine Glasses: Fancy and safe, acrylic wine glasses are ideal for enjoying wine and an outdoor toast at outdoor events and picnics. They offer the elegance of traditional wine glasses without the risk of breakage, making them a great choice for entertaining outdoors.

• Acrylic Cocktail Glasses: These acrylic glasses are perfect for serving a variety of fun drinks in style. Opt for a margarita glass for refreshing margaritas or an old-fashioned glass for whiskey sours and more.

• Acrylic Pitchers: Serve up refreshing beverages at parties and gatherings with an acrylic pitcher. Great for serving large amounts of lemonade, iced tea, or anything else that will keep your guests cool.

Table Linens

Table runners and placemats are essential tabletop accessories that enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor dining space. These functional and decorative linens come in various styles, colors, and materials, making it easy to match any décor and occasion.

Table linens come in an array of designs, from modern geometric patterns to elegant floral motifs to classic solid hues, allowing you to tailor the look of your table to any event or personal preference.

Use table runners and placemats in coordinating or contrasting colors to create a visually appealing focal point on the table. You can switch out linens for different seasons or holidays to refresh the look of your dining area, adding festive or seasonal charm.

The Key to a Great Outdoor Meal

Creating the perfect al fresco feast involves choosing the right outdoor entertainment essentials, from various kinds of dinnerware and stylish table linens to comfortable seating and ambient lighting. Finish off the table with lanterns and outdoor candles to set the mood. These elements ensure a memorable and picture worthy outdoor dining experience.

Explore Crate and Barrel Philippines' outdoor entertaining collection to find everything you need to host your next gathering with style and ease. Upgrade your outdoor dining experience with our curated dinner plate sets and glasses, perfect for any outdoor meal. Find the perfect combination of practicality and elegance to make your outdoor events unforgettable and stylish.