9 Fancy Paper Plates That Say 'I Tried'

In the scheme of outdoor parties, there are only so many paper plate options. Flimsy white versus sturdy white, squeaky bright blue plastic, overpriced bamboo things to make you feel better about waste, and corny floral numbers that haven’t been redesigned since 1982. Boring! The options are even slimmer when you decide to get them at the last second at the store counting eight buns versus seven Hebrew National hot dogs and asking the empty air, “WHO DECIDED THEY DON’T MATCH?”

But I digress. The solution to your paper plate fatigue, a condition I just made up and has no reason to exist, is fancy paper plates. After an entirely too long time spent combing the Internet, here are some options that show you put a little effort (clicking, buying) into this whole hosting business, make you happy to look at, and most importantly, get the job done without having to do drunk dishes after everyone goes home.

Photo: Courtesy of Sweet Lulu

Courtesy of Sweet Lulu

These green leafy plates remind me of expensive wallpaper in discreet hotels where celebrities have affairs. The caption says they work well with “pineapple pieces,” but I have a feeling they’ll also serve any ol’ mayo-based salad very well. Very well indeed.

Photo: Courtesy of The Land of Nod

Courtesy of The Land of Nod

These are a little twee, yes, but you show me a human being who doesn’t like doughnuts and I’ll show you a dirty liar.

Photo: Courtesy of Sweet Lulu

Courtesy of Sweet Lulu

Cuuuuuuuuuute!

Photo: Courtesy of Paper Source

Courtesy of Paper Source

Pretty ironic to have ice cream cones on a plate, which is a terrible vessel for ice cream, but who am I to question the party supply industrial complex?

Photo: Courtesy of Crate and Barrel

Courtesy of Crate and Barrel

Even if you consider jalapeño kettle chips an appropriate appetizer at age 28, these will make them look positively radiant.

Photo: Courtesy of PaperBearMan/Etsy

Courtesy of PaperBearMan/Etsy

Tell your guests these are an old family heirloom and then pause for their gentle, polite laughter.

You know you've got a fancy plate when it's a) Japanese and b) sold at museum gift shops.

Photo: Courtesy of Anthropologie

Courtesy of Anthropologie

You better have some cheap Prosecco in the cooler if you go with these gold-striped plates, which come with matching cups and teeth-caps. Well, not sure on that last part, but the key is you need to really stick to the theme here.

Photo: Courtesy of TheFulfilledShop/Etsy

Courtesy of TheFulfilledShop/Etsy

Throwing a tea party for five of your closest stuffed animal friends who you tell your therapist are for emotional support and no they aren’t named in your will? These are your jam.