Party plates for every taste — and budget

For the Fourth of July party hosts who think their menu is a work of art, we present the Wasara collection, currently on view at the National Design Triennial of the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum in New York.

The bowls, plates and cups, praised in the exhibit for their “ephemeral beauty,” are made of bamboo, reeds and leftover pulp from sugarcane processing — all sustainable and biodegradable materials. They’re sold in packages of six to 12 pieces; each pack costs $9 to $14 at A+R in Venice. The circular plate in the photo above, for instance, sells in a pack of 12 for $12.

In the past, we've featured picnic paraphernalia made of post-consumer recycled paper, recycled plastic and bamboo. Melamine haters will surely scream in protest, but this year, early summer sales are making that material an affordable option too. Keep reading for photos of party plates on sale for up to 60% off ...

But first, a close-up look at the Wasara compote bowl. Each piece in the collection has a textured finish and was shaped to feel good in hands.

Photo: The Wasara compote bowl sells in a set of six for $12. Credit: A+R

Photo: This plastic Pinwheel plate is $1.79 from Target. Credit: Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times

Photo: Your guests will catch red, white and blue on these plastic plates, originally $4.99 each, now $2.24. We picked up ours at the Kohls store in Alhambra, (626) 289-7250; other designs available on the Kohl's website. Credit: Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times

Photo: A 60%-off sale at Macy’s makes these melamine pieces affordable alternatives to disposable dishes. Dinner plates, originally $9, are $3.60 apiece; salad plates, originally $7, are $2.80. We picked up ours at the Arcadia store, (626) 445-5711; other styles available on the Macy's website. Credit: Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times

Photo: Not a fan of plastic? Crate & Barrel sells these ceramic Whim appetizer plates with a textured finish. They measure 6.5 inches and sell for $2.95 apiece. Credit: Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times

Photo: Italian pottery? Not quite. These shatter-resistant pieces from Sur La Table are melamine, poised for regular use at poolside parties and picnics at the Bowl. Perhaps best of all: They’re on sale. Dinner plates, normally $9.95 each, are now $6.96. Salad plates and bowls, formerly $7.95 apiece, are now $5.56. Platters, trays and other serving pieces are available too. Credit: Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times

-- Times staff