roberta, that’s interesting–i have not ever been a huge fan of melamine plates. they seem to scratch and fade fairly quickly. to me, they seem relegated to picnic-ware, so if i were going to spend money on a beautifully designed plate, i would prefer something ceramic/porcelain. . . that’s just my personal preference, though. i always see these plates and think, “that’s gorgeous, i’m sad they are on melamine!” (not that i would be able to afford a china version!)

these are great, going to check them out now.

I adore these! If I had not just bought a new set of dishes last year I would begin collecting them. I’m a bit of a retro geek so the melamine doesn’t bother me :)

Oh, wow, I love these! If I can hope to use them for a picnic this summer, they’d better be available online soon!

Roberta, I personally can’t stand melamine in general, but it’s great for outdoor use, or maybe for a party. In general, though, I tend to be annoyed when I see a cute plate and then find out that it’s not “real” but melamine.

Laura, I am with you. I usually stay away from melamine because I feel like it belongs by the pool and will fade/scratch quickly. Plus, I am trying to cut as much plastic out of my life as possible…. which is such a shame because that purple tree platter is gorgeous!

Oh that last one is just fantastic. I just bought some green melanine plates at Target that look like that.

Not a fan of melamine. Also not a fan of clip art passed of as “design”.

That last purple tree is gorgeous!
It would be lovely to display and use them all.

Hmmm….I have a set of the Thomas Paul aviary melamine plates, and I absolutely adore them. I’ve got nice dinnerware too, but I can say that I actually look forward to eating off the Thomas Paul plates for lunch, etc – they’re just so much fun. I’ve had them for about 2 years and they still look brand new – no scratches or anything. I put them in the dishwasher all the time, just not the microwave. I’d get the gingham or woodgrain ones in a heartbeat.

I love melamine plates and collect them…I use them for picnics and other outdoor meals…

I’m with Cari J on this…not much design in Thomas Paul’s work. A lot of his images are taken straight from copyright free Dover publications and printed straight onto plates, totes, pillows etc….but hey! good on him for doing it well and selling lots.

I looooove melamine plates! In the past, I too have felt the pool/bar-b-q feeling for them, but since unbearable nerve pain in my hands has come about, I can’t live without them and their lightweight, easy to clean nature… thank you to all the designers who make my life sans ceramic pretty again!

I have been a fan of Thomas Paul ‘s designs. I am disappointed now reading some of these comments about the use of clip art.
However, when it comes to melamine, it’s nice to have such tastefully done options.

If you like the plaid pattern google “medicine hat pottery” and take a look through. There was a pottery factory that made all kinds of crocks, platewear, etc and these are pretty much exactly the same but not pottery. Neat.

Dover publications clip art, really? That would be a tad embarrassing. My understanding is these are not actually totally copyright free images, just available to reproduce for non commercial use.

Better late than never to have my say. I just came across this and have to say that when displayed on a wall together the TP collections look amazing. Since the switch to a new supplier was made the melamine has a look of ceramic to it. We sell the ranges in our London shop and most customers cannot tell the difference until they touch the items. The other good thing is that melamine is light so can be attached to the wall easily.