What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of melamine tableware? Do you think of elegant, modern tableware, or do you think of poolside dishes from 30 years ago? If you answer the latter, you're not alone, but you're not keeping up with modern melamine either. Today's melamine is anything but practical: it is modern, popular and sophisticated.

The reality is that 21st century melamine has a place on your dinner table or at your high-volume dining event.

Operators can use a wide variety of melamine products that can meet and upgrade most desktop needs. Unless you are serving food that requires the use of a steak knife, which can scratch melamine, melamine tabletop can meet all your dining needs.

Advances in melamine production mean that operators' choice of indoor cutlery has multiplied as a result of the melamine cutlery options available on the market today.

Melamine cutlery is unbreakable

It would be great if that were true, but unfortunately, it's not. Granted, melamine is a very durable material, but it is breakable, not unbreakable. It is much more durable than porcelain and does not often crack or shatter, but it can break -- especially if it is not properly cared for.

To put that in perspective, consider that the annual replacement rate of melamine cutlery is about 10% to 20%. Compare this to China's average replacement rate of 50%-150% and you can clearly see how the savings add up over time.

Melamine cutlery is shatterproof, not unbreakable. If handled properly, it will last longer than your porcelain.

Melamine tableware must be cheaper than in China

For years, we've heard operators think it's cheaper to start using melamine than porcelain cutlery. Sometimes, but it's not a universal truth.

Porcelain and melamine both come in different grades, so the introductory price depends on which grade is right for your brand. The main differences between the layers of melamine cutlery come down to weight and design options such as textures and glazes.

Let's say you pay $25 for a melamine-tainted entree plate, compared with $15 in China. Cost savings play a role over the life of these products. Because melamine is breakproof, you would replace it at about 20 percent the rate of porcelain. You'll save money in the long run, but not necessarily at the time of purchase.

Melamine cutlery may or may not be more expensive than porcelain initially, but its durability will save you money in the long run.