THE 50 BEST

1 EDWARDIAN LOUNGER

Kate Forman designs her own fabrics in wonderful old-fashioned faded colours. This rose print looks lovely on this Edwardian-style lounger, which comes with its own adjustable sunshade and is made from painted wood. She also sells covered wooden deckchairs in beautiful chintzy materials. Perfect for the kitchen garden or to add a retro note to a contemporary roof terrace.

Where from: Kate Forman (01962 732244' www.kateforman.co.uk).

How much: Edwardian lounger pounds 250' deckchair pounds 80.

2 PROVENCE TABLE AND BENCH

This treated-pine wooden table and bench set has a pleasingly chunky and solid feel. It's made from timber from sustainable forests so you don't need to worry about doing damage to the world's forests either. Seating six, it's an affordable way of indulging your passion for al fresco dining.

Where from: B&Q (www.diy.com).

How much: pounds 249.98.

3 EVA SOLO GRILL

This is a great little multi-tasking bit of kit. With the lid on it makes a stylish table for resting your gin and tonic, but remove the lid, which can then attach to a pair of legs to make a separate table, and you have a barbecue. Made from stainless steel, this is a typically stylish and functional piece of Danish design.

Where from: Panik (0845 3454966' www.panik-design.com).

How much: pounds 344.99 and pounds 36.99 for the legs.

4 ACAPULCO RAFFIA PARASOL

Yes, yes, it's totally kitsch - but no less fun for that. Plant one of these in your garden and then it's a crime not to be sipping cocktails while you relax underneath it. All of which is guaranteed to put you in a good mood, even if you aren't actually on holiday and have to go back to the office the following day. Available in pink and two-tone green.

Where from: Heal's Stores: London W1, London SW3, Manchester, Kingston, Guildford, Croydon, Batley (020-7896 7451' www.heals.co.uk).

How much: pounds 30.

5 FIREBALL

Lighting really helps to create a mood in the garden. The last time you went to Ikea, you probably bought a bumper bag of tealights because everyone always does, and now they're sitting in the cupboard and you've got to work out what to do with them. These pretty frosted glass holders are the perfect solution. They look great scattered among the grass or on a dinner table..

Where from: Menu (for stockist enquiries visit www.menuas.com)

How much: pounds 15 each.

6 LEANDRO

This is slightly reminiscent of an old-fashioned bathchair but it is a lot more comfortable. Made in Italy from powdercoated galvanised wrought iron with a plastic "canvas" seat, it conforms perfectly to your body position and you can raise the legs high if you want. This is good because it means you can shield your face and chest from the sun while you read and still tan your legs. Those Italians think of everything.

Where from: Unopi (0800 0901 2004' www.unopiu.co.uk).

How much: pounds 350.

7 GLOSTER CASABLANCA

This set of really comfortable Lloyd Loom-type wicker chairs with a matching table from Gloster is something a bit different from the usual teak - although the company does that as well. Made from nylon with an aluminium frame, the range is completely weatherproof. Gloster is a high-quality company (with prices to match) and their products are well made and built to last.

Where from: Gloster Furniture (01454 631955' www.gloster.com).

How much: table for six pounds 1,049' chairs pounds 309 each.

8 SMOKEY JOE

The British summer isn't always all that it might be and often it seems faintly ridiculous to splash out on an expensive number that is going to be under wraps for nine months of the year. This portable charcoal version is made by Weber - which means great quality and functionality - and has a ten-year guarantee. The lid locks down to become a carrying handle and let's not overlook the lovely summery turquoise colour' it will look nice in the garden even when it's not being used.

Where from: John Lewis (08456 049049' www.johnlewis.com).

How much: pounds 60.

9 SPECTRA

So you've got the chairs, the parasols, the rugs and the trashy novel. Now it's time to concentrate on really giving your garden a special feature to dress it up. These columns of mirrored stainless steel are inset with coloured acrylic panels and look spectacular on a lawn or amid foliage. They're a bit like totem poles but when the sun shines through them they throw multicoloured projections on to the ground. Far out.

Where from: IOTA (01934 522617' www.iotagarden.com).

How much: from pounds 495.

10 COOLAROO SHADE SAILS

If global warming really is upon us, then we will need to be thinking about shade in the gardens. These large sail shades look fantastic and their shapes create interesting shadows and angles. Use it to create a shaded play area for children or keep the sun off your lunch. This is an Australian product and, let's face it, Aussies know a thing or two about skin protection. The shade is made from a polyester weave that blocks 90 per cent of the sun's UV rays and comes in four colours: desert sand, bluestone, ocean blue and Brunswick green.