Practical approach to al fresco dining

Getting your garden furniture right can make all the difference to how you use your outside space over the summer months.

Invest in quality

It's harder than it sounds, as the bulk of what is marketed to optimistic Brits in our briefest window of summer time is badly made and designed to fail.

Look away from the plastic rattan corner seats: they will be next year's landfill.

As a good rule of thumb, don't buy anything for outside the house that you wouldn't want inside the house. Think lightweight, powder-coated aluminium benches and tables.

Think light but hardy

Unless you have endless storage space (and huge muscles) look out for furniture that can happily brave a British winter without having to be tethered and tarped.

Again, aluminium is virtually indestructible and seriously lightweight, so ticks all boxes.

When it comes to teak

When it comes to teak, the more lichen and moss-covered the better: the more I ignore my bench, the better it looks (although it does take two strong boys to move it).

Fold-up chairs are your friend

That doesn't have to mean dodgy deckchairs.

Metal bistro sets and outdoor trestles are a perfect solution when space is at a premium.

If in doubt, accessorise.

Lighting is key

While even the most ordinary lamp looks decadent when seen out of place on an outdoor table, you may risk tripping the mains as the evening dew starts to settle.

Instead, have a few quick lighting solutions up your sleeve.

Splash out on a swing seat

The one piece of outdoor furniture that seems to break all the rules is the swing seat, something that I have lusted after for years.

Uncompromisingly flouncy, and unbelievably comfortable, there are two versions today that I would gladly kill for: the Idler by Wilverly, and the Rocker by Odd.

And thanks to recent advances in weather-proof fabrics, you can leave them up all summer without the obligatory damp bottom.