Jul. 1--F ourth of July is just around the corner, and that can mean just one thing: it's time for picnic baskets chock-full of potato salad, hot dogs and hamburgers, soda and lemonade.

But hold up. Put those paper plates and plastic cutlery away. Just because we're eating outdoors doesn't mean the table has to be boring. Melamine dinnerware, long a favorite in school cafeterias for its durability, is fast becoming a festive and fun way to celebrate summer.

Not only is Melamine virtually indestructible and able to survive the occasional drop to the ground or toss into the trunk at the end of the day, it has other quali ties worth singing about.

Namely, it won't cost you a song. Snag individual items for as little as $2 or $3 at discount stores like Wal-Mart or Target. Sets cost between $20 and $40 at higher-end retailers like Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel or Pier One Imports.

So stock up. For the Fourth, go with a basic solid red, white (clear) and blue.

Or snag a patriotic print, like Pottery Barn's Americana floral design.

The rest of the summer, use combinations of cool colors like teal and chartreuse or hot fuchsia.

Look for whimsical prints in floral or polka dots. Pining for paper? Target has a set that emulates the look of paper plates, complete with fluted edges.

These dishes aren't just pretty to look at either.

They can stand up to many a summer cookout or picnic. They are heat resistant and, unlike disposable plates, remain relatively cool to the touch, even with mounds of hot party potatoes. They're lightweight, but won't leave your lap stained by soggy Jell-O salad or fold under the pressure of a hearty potato salad.

All this makes melamine good for indoor use, as well.

It is both microwave and dishwasher safe. And think how green you'll be, keeping those paper and plastic plates out of the landfill.

-- Contact the writer: (319) 398-8288 or molly.rossiter@gazcomm.com

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