I would get the Corelle by Corning dishes. They are pretty and break resistant. I have used them for years. The only piece I have every broken was one I sat on the top of a hot stove top. Walmart sells some of it by the piece if you don't want a complete set.

I had melmac in 1966, and Corelle in 1986. Melmac will 'wear' and scratch over time, and the coffee cups can get pretty stained looking. Loved the Corelle, and very sturdy and durable. It is also at Corning outlet stores.

Were it me, I would put both paper and Corelle (or whatever you choose) there and let them pick how much cleanup they want to do.

Barbara

I agree with the other posters. Corelle is light weight and easy to care for. I also have a set of temptations (qvc) purchased and I use it for outdoor use. Comes with 8-10 dishes and 3 various size bowls and a large container to use for whatever and a tray for a lid. Very compact. Various colors and designs.

Another vote for Corelle. Corelle is lighter and thinner than stonewear or china so when you stack it in a cupboard, it stacks lower.

I don't know about every one else, but something pretty/nice makes me feel good, it gives me a lift. I think it shows the hostess cares. I have Corelle's apple design.

The modern equivalent of melmac is melamine, I think. I don't have any, so I can't answer as to how it wears.

I've had the Corelle and while it can be broken (it does not fare well when used as a hockey puck), it is pretty sturdy and very suitable for guest quarters.

I love the Corelle too. Lots of nice, cheery designs, and it takes up very little space when stacked. Not sure if anybody else has mentioned it, or if it matters to you, but last I knew they were still made in the USA.

Some of the new melamine dinnerware sets are really pretty!

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/cabo-melamine-outdoor-dinnerware/

This one's really pretty!

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/rope-melamine-plate-turquoise/?cm_src=AutoCSLPIP

Pottery Barn has a ton of them, but of course so do other people whose prices might be a bit lower. JCPenney has a couple of more modern-looking ones.

I know Corelle is really tough as well, but I confess that I always feel nervous about whether it will break, simply because it feels like glass.

One downside of melamine is that you can't put it in the microwave.

Melamine also scratches, although the new may not. I just try to stay away from plastic if I can. I do use it for storing dry stuff but never liquid. Usually I don't look at things as expensive or cheap, I do in this case. Plastic look cheap. Glass looks so much cleaner and nice.

Now if they are going play Frisbee with them, go with the plastic.

One hint, if it is going to be used outside, do not get white. When I have used my white dishes outside, the reflection is blinding. I think that glass plates could be lovely. While anybody can break a plate, if it is not mainly kids using them, glass should be fine. If kids are involved too, some melamine to mix it up would be nice.

My local Goodwill stores frequently have pieces of Corelle for sale. They sell the dinner place for 99 cents and the other pieces for less than that. If you visit Goodwill often, you could put together a set for very little money.