If you’re like a lot of people, you love the outdoors. Fresh air helps us relax and forget about the day’s stresses. That makes a backyard patio or even a cozy apartment balcony a great spot for meals. At Mark and Graham, we want you to stand out all the time, even during laid-back parties with close friends. That’s why we offer outdoor dinnerware and serveware that caters to your decor and adds even more personality to the space. Melamine trays & plates keep things casual. A personalized name, a fun phrase or a chic monogram gives your dinner table extra flair. Why choose melamine? Here are a couple of advantages.

Melamine is extremely colorful. There’s almost no limit to the colors and patterns possible with melamine. That’s perfect for outdoor dining since bright blues, greens and reds make people feel happy and energetic. You don’t even have to stick to one color. Go crazy and create chic combinations that showcase your artistic side. Lime green and dark blue, check. Electric pink and dark gray – why not? The sky is the limit when designing your exterior color layout. Plus, having several tones available makes it easy to match dinnerware and runners too.

Melamine is practically indestructible. That’s why it’s the go-to material for families with kids. It doesn’t really matter if they drop their plate on the deck or knock a serving bowl off the table by accident. After a quick wash, it’s ready for action again. Kids can be kids and have fun without you worrying about the dishes.

Another advantage of melamine is that it can handle the elements. Prefer to store your outdoor plates and glasses on a shelf in the garage or near the grill? That’s fine. Moisture isn’t a problem, and neither are leaves or dirt. Just give them a quick wash before use and they look brand new. Or, if you like the look of a backyard table with place settings all the time, use melamine dishes to make it happen.

Melamine is easy to clean. It’s safe for the dishwasher too. After a meal with friends – especially if it involves sweet and sticky barbecue sauce – it’s refreshing not to have to scrub dishes forever to get them clean. Toss them in the dishwasher and enjoy the rest of your night. The smooth surface helps food release effortlessly. Now that you know why people love melamine, here are some great ways to use it.

Spend time together as a family. Most moms and dads want to have more opportunities to talk with their kids – or as a couple – but the dining room isn’t always the easiest place to make that happen. If you have a laptop or telephone nearby, interruptions are almost guaranteed. Head outdoors instead for a relaxing meal. There’s nothing like laughing and talking over homemade pizza while watching the sun go down. Use melamine platters to make sure everyone has enough. Melamine is perfect for picnics too.

Have a backyard barbeque. Outdoors parties are a huge hit with guests. Whether you’re playing games, trying out a new pool or just enjoying a beer with your best friend, a patio or balcony makes it something memorable. Of course, being outdoors doesn’t mean chips and dip are the only appetizers you can serve. Show off your culinary skills with tasty hors d’oeuvres and cocktails served on bright monogrammed trays.

Eat breakfast on the deck. Watching the sun rise with a cup of coffee outdoors gets your day off to a great start. The sound of birds and the smell of fresh air put a smile on your face and give you a positive attitude. With a melamine serving platter, you have space for a glass of orange juice, toast, cereal, coffee and fresh fruit. For maximum comfort, wear your robe and a pair of slippers.