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The Art of Outdoor: Must Have Patio Serveware
Is there anything better than a breezy, summer evening sitting outside surrounded by the people you love enjoying a beautiful display of food? With thoughtfully selected accents and details, outdoor hosting and gathering can be magical.
To help you create an enchanting outdoor event, we’re sharing tips to set the mood as you set the table for al fresco eating. Follow along to get ideas and examples of the must-have patio serveware that elevates outdoor dining and creates a delightful experience.
Why Invest in High-Quality Patio Serveware?
While you can use your same indoor-entertaining dishes when hosting outdoor dinner parties, we suggest using items made with outdoor dining in mind. Using high-quality patio serveware provides both short and long-term benefits. It lasts longer, looks better, and creates a more charming dining experience. Here are a few things to look for when shopping for high-quality patio serveware.
Durability
Outdoor serveware has to face more harsh elements than indoor serveware. It must be durable enough to withstand outdoor conditions and the higher possibility of being dropped. Choose weather-resistant serveware made with materials that can withstand the elements and be less likely to break if dropped on harsh outdoor surfaces.
Aesthetics
Serveware is a powerful tool for setting the mood and aesthetic of an outdoor event. Easily elevate the visual appeal of your outdoor eating area by selecting stylish serving plates, bowls, and platters. Choose items with stunning, complementary, and unique materials, colors, and patterns.
Functionality
The best serveware is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. A sleek serving bowl made of slippery glass might look stunning, but it isn’t a smart choice for outdoor dining. Must-have patio serveware offers both form and function. It includes items with raised rims, handles, and materials that won't easily break in outdoor elements.
Essential Serveware Pieces for Your Patio
Prepare for the perfect outdoor dinner party by getting all the times you need ahead of time. Elegant hosting is easy when you have everything you need on hand. Here are a few must-have patio serveware items that will meet your outdoor dining needs.
Individual Plates and Bowls
Having a selection of durable and stylish plates and bowls in a variety of shapes and sizes on hand is essential. Build a collection with complementary styles and colors so you can mix and match plates based on your menu and number of courses. Outdoor dining gives you an opportunity to choose plate styles you wouldn't use inside. Take a chance on an elegant mosaic pattern or a rustic design that will look stunning on an outside tablescape.
Utensils and Flatware
If you choose to use disposable flatware for al fresco dining, skip the flimsy plastic options. Instead, opt for a high-end selection of sturdy utensils that mimic the look of real silverware. If you’d like to be more sustainable, purchase a reusable set of flatware made with high-grade acrylic and stainless steel or a disposable bamboo option.
Glassware & Bar Items
Treat your guests to an elevated beverage experience by offering glassware that feels and looks high-end while also remaining shatterproof and ready for outdoor elements. Choose a selection of sleek or styled clear acrylic glassware. If you want to go with real glass, choose glassware that is a bit more sturdy, such as short old-fashioned glasses and stemless wine glasses. Then, add a stylish wine cooler and ice bucket to serve as an eye-catching table accent while helping keep drinks chilled and served at the optimal temperature.
Serving Trays and Platters
Like individual plates, a variety of sturdy and stylish serving trays in multiple shapes and sizes should be a part of your must-have patio serveware. An array of versatile pieces allows you to pick the platter perfectly suited for appetizers and main dishes. We love this three-piece handle set made from luscious walnut or ebonized oak because it offers three sizes for you to choose from. Don’t forget to pair each serving platter with an equally stylish serving spoon.
Serving Bowls
Also, have a section of bowls in a variety of sizes for your outdoor dining events. Small bowls are great for serving snacks and nuts as well as dips and sauces that go with main meals. Larger bowls are needed for transporting main dishes and large sides. Choose bowls that are easy to pass around the table while looking stylish and sophisticated, like this beautiful walnut mod bowl.
Materials to Consider for Patio Serveware
You have a variety of options when it comes to patio serveware. You don’t need to stick to one material. Mix and match to create an engaging table setting with a variety of textures, shapes, and aesthetics.
- Melamine is durable, lightweight plastic resistant to breaking, chipping, and heat. It often comes in a variety of colorful designs and patterns making it both a practical and stylish option for patio serveware.
- Acrylic is a shatter-resistant, lightweight plastic that offers the elegant look of glass without fragility. If you want the appearance of clear glass without the potential for shattering, acrylic is a good option for outdoor glassware.
- Wood is a natural, renewable material that can add warmth and rustic charm to outdoor dining. When properly maintained, it is durable, long-lasting, and a great option for large serving boards and bowls.
- Bamboo is lightweight, durable, eco-friendly, and stylish. It’s a great sustainable option that can withstand outdoor conditions, and it comes in natural styles as well as colorful patterns and designs.
- Ceramic has long been a traditional option for outdoor serveware. It is durable and well-suited for serving both hold and cold dishes, and it comes in a variety of styles and colors making it an elegant accent piece on outdoor tables.
Tips for Choosing the Right Patio Serveware
Keep a few tips in mind as you select the right patio serveware for your upcoming event or permanent outdoor dining collection.
Match your serveware with your outdoor decor theme. If you want to use your serveware for years to come, choose items that are classic and complementary to your outdoor furniture. Pick serveware with colors, patterns, or themes similar to outdoor furniture fabrics, materials, and motifs.
Ensure practicality and ease of use. Look for items that have a balance of practicality and ease of use. Select items that are easy to clean, carry, and mix and match with other items in your existing serveware and table setting decor.
Balance aesthetics with durability and functionality. While you want your patio serveware to be stylish, don’t choose items based on aesthetics alone. Delicate crystal stemware is stunning, but it might not be the right choice for your outdoor dining collection. Choose items based on their design, durability, and functionality.
Consider your food menu. Some popular outdoor serveware options are made with materials not suitable for hot or heavy foods. For example, bamboo may not hold up to the heat of a hot piece of lasagna, and acrylic may struggle to hold heavy hamburgers. Match the material of your outdoor serveware with the types of food you most frequently serve.
Related: Hosting the Ultimate Dinner Experience
Where to Shop for High-Quality Patio Serveware
Popular stores and online shops
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Williams Sonoma: You can’t go wrong shopping at Williams Sonoma, especially when they have an entire category dedicated to outdoor dinnerware.
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Xenai Taler: For stylish, sustainable bamboo options, shop Xenai Taler for colorful plates, bowls, cups, and trays.
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Fran Berger Living: Find the pieces mentioned in this guide along with even more luxurious serveware and accessories in Fran Berger’s collection of curated homewares.
Tips for finding high-quality products
- Know your needs before you start shopping to guide you toward items you will actually use.
- Easily build a collection of cohesive patio serveware by shopping for a set that includes everything you need.
- Examine the craftsman for uniformity, smooth finishes, and attention to detail to choose items that will last for years to come.
- Read reviews and explore the experience of other customers to ensure the items meet your standards and needs.
Caring for Your Patio Serveware
Outdoor serveware can experience more wear and tear than items that never leave the house. But you can keep your patio serveware around for many years with the right care, cleaning, and maintenance. Here are a few tips to extend the life of your outdoor serveware.
- Use trays or carriers to move serveware to and from the patio to minimize the risk of accidents.
- Keep items out of direct sunlight as much as possible to prevent fading and damage.
- Gently hand-wash items with non-abrasive materials if they are not dishwasher-safe.
- Ensure items are completely dry before storing in a cool, dry place.
- Periodically oil wooden or bamboo serveware to maintain its finish and prevent drying out and cracking (follow the manufacturer's directions for each item).
Set Up the Outdoors for Entertaining
The serveware you choose is just as important as how you set it up. Build a beautiful environment for your outdoor event by arranging furniture to direct guests to a place to gather. Set a stunning table with accents that play off the style of your serveware. Make it feel special by playing the right soundtrack, lighting cables, and adding fresh flowers to play into the magic of al fresco dining.
Find The Perfect, Must-Have Patio Serveware
Gathering around a beautiful outdoor tablescape can be truly magical. We hope this guide inspires you to put together an al fresco event and gives you ideas for finding the best must-have patio serveware to make it an evening to remember.
To find even more items to showcase at your next elevated outdoor event, browse the full collection of home goods curated by stylish living expert Fran Berger. Shop the collection now.
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