The Plate Outdoors

Posted by Meryl, Market Editor

One thing that's no picnic about eating outside is running after flimsy disposable plates when the wind catches them. My favorite solution: Pretty tin plates from Mottahedeh, a rather fancy, old-school maker of fine porcelain and crystal (they have even made china for presidents in the past). The tin sets still have a feel of traditional elegance, but they're casual and practical, strangely fun to hold, and much sturdier (and eco-conscious) than paper or plastic. I think the newest pattern, "Ming," is quite pretty:

But the classic "Ships" pattern is still my favorite:

To me, the design is fun and kitschy, though I know its biggest fans are boat owners and nautical enthusiasts. These plates would be so sweet for dinner at an outdoor concert or lunch at the beach. Can you tell I'm ready for summer?

Comments

[Sarah Dennis]

Hey Meryl, Love this post! You must have been reading my mind. I'm a huge fan of the Mottahedeh tin plates. I have a blog called "Toast and Tables" and my post on Tuesday, May 15th featured the Lowestoft Rose pattern. I would love it if you checked it out!

Keep up the great work! I'm off to pick up the Ming pattern...

[dianeinjapan]

Love these--and especially the floral ones shown in the print mag!

[Meryl]

Hi Sarah: I checked with the company, and they're working on getting them up on the site. In the meantime, you can order them by calling 800-443-8225.

[Sarah]

I really wanted to buy the ming set but can't find them!

[sami k]

for some reason these totally put me in mind of a really posh dejuner sur l'herbe, with the gentlemen in straw boater hats and the ladies holding parasols, having tea and cake on the grass and watching the boats go by on the river.

definitely more appealing than el cheapo single-use paper.

[FAIRFAX]

These are great! I have some from Gumps in San Francisco.