All Year

Pottery Barn Kids Taylor Plates

Brawn: Their heft and rimmed perimeters help keep food on the plate so guests can move from the grill to the lawn without a problem.

The melamine plate remained intact after being pitched against a wall.

It sustained only faint scratches after a knife was used to cut potatoes on it.

It sat for 30 minutes beneath the paste of curry, turmeric, and oil. After a quick rinse, no stain remained.

Beauty: Available in a fresh, seasonal palette — baby blue, pink, red, and mint green — the plates are both festive and stylish. Plus, they're substantial enough to use indoors for casual gatherings.
Value: While $24 for a set of four (www.potterybarnkids.com) might sound a little steep, if you are a frequent outdoor entertainer, that number translates to just 40 cents each for 15 uses.

Wiliams-Sonoma Duraclear Glassware

Brawn: This sturdy plastic barware can endure a drop onto a stone patio.
Beauty: Available in clear and blue, in the standard array — wine, rocks, margarita, etc. — these tumblers look like glass.
Value: $36 to $44 for six, www.williams-sonoma.com for store locations.