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Now picnics are fully back on the agenda, and with temperatures rising, we’re likely to find ourselves eating outside more than inside.
Whether our picnic excursion extends to a well-known beauty spot, or the limits of our own back garden, it’s worth being prepared with a stylish dining set designed for alfresco eating.
Melamine (largely dishwasher friendly, but not suitable for the microwave) is a food safe material that is so tough it claims to be virtually unbreakable.
It is a form of plastic, but unlike the cheap single-use variety, it’s arguably more environmentally friendly thanks to its longevity and durability – these picnic-ready pieces can be brought out and enjoyed year after year.
We put a variety of melamine tableware to the test, from the high-end and design led to the affordable and family friendly, all of which give their ceramic counterparts a run for their money.
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Lakeland’s Hana garden melamine dining set won us over for its pretty watercolour florals. Offering four place settings, the 12-piece set is a good mid-priced buy that’s guaranteed to brighten up your alfresco experience. We also loved Made’s marvo melamine tiffin box for its fun design and clever functionality – a snip at just £15.