SAVE OR SPEND?

TIPS FOR FUN AL FRESCO

Total: pounds 770Barlow Tyrie www.teak.com, 01376 557600Glass can be dangerous outdoors - to avoid breakages buy plastic drinking glasses and melamine plates or paper if you can't be bothered with the washing up.A tent or wigwam isn't just for fun - it will protect little ones from the sun, too. Add a paddling pool if you have room.How many people will be using your table? Does it need to be extendable? Where will it be stored? Hardwood may need maintenance and wrought iron needs a good annual clean. Softwood or wicker tables need to be protected in winter. All these too expensive? You can disguise a cheap plastic table with a pretty tablecloth. Get a wipe-down one for easy cleaning.Table placementMelamine plates pounds 7.95 each and tumblers pounds 3.50 each, from Pedlars. Polka dot oilcloth pounds 36 for 2m, Cath Kidston. Parasol pounds 249, base pounds 39.99, chair pads pounds 39.96 for four (not shown), garden furniture.co.ukEXTRAS FOR pounds 237Tesco Direct www.tesco.com, 0845 600 4411Marks & Spencer www.marksandspencer.com Debenhams www.debenhams.com, 0844 800 8877STOCKISTSAdd these bright buys for the full look... Garden bunting pounds 22.50 (for 10m), Wingreen. Director's chairs pounds 50 for two, star mugs pounds 5 for two, Wigwam pounds 120, felt flower cushions pounds 10 each, ruffle cushions pounds 10 each, all from Tesco. Other items shown are stylist's own.SAVE ITHartman Alesia Teak four-seater table set (includes four chairs, seat pads, parasol and parasol base and table) pounds 699, Star wipe- clean tablecloth pounds 12, plastic plates pounds 5 (for 4), plastic beakers pounds 5 (for 4), two-tier cake stand pounds 10, picnic hamper pounds 40, all Tesco. As a cheaper alternative Tesco's Alexander Rose Cheshire table and chairs cost pounds 449.50.Child's playStyling by JESSICA CONTOMICHALOSTablecloth weights will keep everything in place on a breezy day. Insects will buzz off if you have citronella candles and covers will keep wasps at bay.The best place for the table is nearest the kitchen door, ideally in a shady part of the garden. You could also add an umbrella or, if you have the space, a pop-up gazebo.John Lewis www.johnlewis.com, 0845 604 9049THE ESSENTIALSEATING outside is great fun, especially for children. Plan your set-up properly to avoid dashing back to the kitchen every two minutes. Here are our top tips to make it a fun day for everyone:Safety firstGarden Furniture www.gardenfurniture.co.uk, 01564 793652Finish the look with these accessories... director's chair pounds 45, Habitat. Wigwam pounds 120 and bunting pounds 22.50 (for 10m), Wingreen. Flower cushions, pounds 35 each, M&S. Rocha John Rocha cushions pounds 35 each, Debenhams. Star mugs pounds 5 each, Cath Kidston. Other items shown are stylist's own.Ascot table, pounds 675, Barlow Tyrie. Cortona chairs pounds 99 each, two-tier cake stand pounds 22, picnic hamper pounds 55, all from John Lewis.Cath Kidston www.cathkidston.co.uk, 0845 026 2440Little extrasTotal: pounds 1,560Buy rightSPEND ITEXTRAS FOR pounds 382

Styling by JESSICA CONTOMICHALOS