Outdoor Placemats

Outdoor Placemats: Mess-Free Alfresco Meals

Set the scene for summertime gatherings with outdoor placemats. After whipping up steak or salmon on the grill, plate the entrees on melamine dinnerware. Then, bring it all to the table and set the dishes on vinyl placemats to protect the tabletop from spills and stains. Aside from their practical function, placemats are also a great way to add a pop of color to plain glass or metal outdoor furniture pieces. Eating lunch outside on a sunny day? Keep cool by positioning a patio umbrella near the table to allow everyone to enjoy the meal in the shade. When everyone is done eating, cleaning up is simple. Just pop the melamine dishes in the dishwasher, and wipe the outdoor placemats down. Even better? The placemats look good indoors, too. If the party is rained out, take everything inside—placemats included—to enjoy a meal in the dining room.