Melamine dishes made it possible to live life on the patio without fear of destroying the good china. Learn how this functional dishware became a staple for casual dining in the 1950s and beyond.

Take the new vintage-inspired melamine dinnerware, for example. "The Daisy collection is a dead-ringer for a ceramic set, but is so lightweight and usable,” Drummond said in a recent press release.

Amazon is having a sale on the Lehaha Rustic Melamine Dinnerware Set. The 12-piece set is 50% off for a limited time, so shoppers pay just $25.

The Pioneer Woman Juliette Melamine Dinnerware Set is a 12-piece dishware set that comes with four dinner plates, four salad plates, and four bowls, so everyone in the family can enjoy a full meal.

Made with lightweight, break-resistant melamine, the BH&G dinnerware serves up some serious vintage-inspired vibes with a modern twist. There are charming plates with just the right amount of ...