Melamine for the Kitchen: Plates, Bowls and Platters, Oh My!
Okay, I will admit it now. I am so digging the new melamine kitchen-ware, that I am prepared to buy more, more, more! It started off as an accident, when browsing (er, obsessing) over wedding registry items, I found the most amazing art plates by Thomas Paul. Here they are, in all of their pastel aviary goodness.
This picture shows the dinner plates, salad plates, and seder/appetizer plates.
I thought they were glass, and was disappointed to find they were, “melamine”. Not the case now. After breaks, chips and heavy dish loads, we are going all-melamine for everyday kitchen. To start the collection, Martha gave me a hand with this basic bowl set.
These are great for mixing or presenting-although I have to admit I was a little nervous when I saw this other set in my favorite blue-green color……
And then I found this mini-prep set. They are even cuter in person, and are perfect for guest dipping sauces. I leave mine stacked on a shelf…..the better to admire.
Here is proof that the melamine craze is mainstream. Plastic plate displays on the wall! Gorgeous! This picture is from Domino magazine, and these are more Thomas Paul plates-he has an entire line of gothic busts and memorial-type pieces. Dig.
Thomas Paul platters on wall
I really love his range. He is able to go totally modern, retro or antique. These are his scrimshaw designs, inspired by the old practice of carving intricate nautical scenes onto whale teeth and bone. Quite a popular thing among collectors. Now on melamine. Smart man, this Thomas.
Thomas Paul Scrimshaw
And just in case you didn’t know- Mr. Paul does pillows and rugs. Stay tuned for more. For now, I will leave you with these melamine favorites……
Fresh Breeze Floral Melamine Dinnerware @ CS Post & Co.
Pop Ink Dinnerware Melamine Wallpaper Plates
Working Class Studio SCAD
French Bull Melamine
Hi, where can I purchase Thomas Paul bird set online? Thanks
Oh Cherie, How I have searched for you. This is the thing with Thomas Paul. Here one minute, gone the next. Designs and patterns seem to disappear. Keep an eye out on all of the second hand stores. Any Readers out there know of any of this exact set?
Sometimes you can find them at “Home Goods”.
Love Melanine dishes, very cute designs.
Melanine dishes have been around for a long while.
I have been finding Melanine bowls from the 50′s. 60′s and 70′s in Goodwill, Salvation Army., Estate Sales.
Look for TEXASWARE ,.
They are very cute and very collectible right now.
Check out those pics
http://www.flickr.com/search/groups/?w=781405@N24&m=pool&q=texasware
They are making a big comeback!! All the big retailers are taking advantage of it. DONT put them in the microwave though. And avoid putting very hot foods on them. They are BPA free, however, heating them is not smart because of the other chemicals they contain.
I should note that most are BPA free if they are true “melamine” However, do your research ladies……Because melamine is so popular, I am betting a lot of manufacturers are producing plastic plates with designs that mimic melamine. True melamine tends to be safer than most plastics because it is so hard–it leaches very little chemical when applied to warmth. However, you need to double-check and find out what kind of plastic you are buying….
Really cute texasware!