Outdoor dining style comes easy with Alessi metal dishes. They come in some hot colors, but we love the idea of using bright yellow and blue for your summer tablescape.

Color your summer table handsomely with sturdy metal sculptural pieces by Australian designer Abi Alice. Three sizes can accommodate all your fresh and raw goodies, in bright yellow, sky blue, white, and stainless. Use them to hold fresh fruit, crackers, breadsticks, cubes of cheese, pastries, or canapes.

Would also be lovely as a centerpiece. I could see the dishes adorned with a line of small plants, like succulents, a row of tiny vessels holding cut wildflowers or a simple line-up of tea lights. These are perfect for outdoor entertaining, as breakage will not be an issue. When not using, the thinness of dishes stack to store away without taking up too much space.  Comes in a set of 3 trays, $135. for color, $160 for stainless steel. Get them at your local Alessi store or order online.

Alessi, 130 Green St (btw Houston/Prince Sts)