Hard case: ‘If buying wood, avoid anything that isn’t hardwood,’ advises gardening expert Julie Humphreys of Crocus. ‘And always buy wood from a sustainable origin!’ So think ash, teak, oak and walnut. This classic Vista table and chair from John Lewis are made from FSC-certified cumaru wood, a hardwood which is well-suited to the outdoors and the elements. Sturdy structure, elegant design and guilt free indulgence. Bliss. All–weather rattan: ‘Rattan, both natural and ‘man–made’ is definitely the in–vogue furniture,’ says Jon Holloway, of outdoor furniture specialists Garden Trading. Soak up the sun in style with this weatherproof rattan chair from Garden Furniture Centre.

Summer style: ‘Metal is popular due to being more weather resistant and hard wearing with less need for protection and re–oiling,’ says Humphreys. The mesh kettler royal table from Crocus epitomises stylish outdoor living. Plus it is the perfect size for entertaining. Country charm: ‘Benches which are space saving seem to be more popular than an array of chairs around a table,’ says Jon Holloway. Ideal for a city garden is this elegant teak bench from Raw Garden. ‘If you cannot store furniture away in the winter I would use classic teak or ash,' advises Holloway. 'Good quality Teak will never go out of fashion.'

Flexible friends: ‘How about havi
ng a table that can be used indoors in the winter and then taken outdoors in the summer?’ suggests Holloway. This classy Royal Garden Elegance Bistro Garden Table from John Lewis can withstand the elements year-round, but would make a delightful hallway table for the hallway during the cooler months. Sit soft: Want to up the comfort factor in your garden? Treat your garden as an outdoor living room and choose a sofa. Recline in style on this Kubik outdoor sofa from Go Modern, made from synthetic rattan, described as 'virtually indestructible'. Its cushions are upholstered in weatherproof fabric.

The slick combo: If wooden furniture is too cumbersome, then think about a combining it with other materials. This Milano round outdoor table from Heal's unites the benefits of stylish and durable teak with lightweight and modern aluminium. You'll be able to move it around your garden at your whim. The statement piece: Just because garden chairs need to be hard–wearing doesn't mean they can't be beautiful. Cutting edge Brand Arper proves this with its decorative leaf chair available at Nest. Constructed of steel, it also comes with a veined effect polyurethane cushion for added comfort. Top table: Don't stop at dining tables and chairs. Complete the outdoor living room effect with a coffee table. This Rondo table from Go Modern will make your garden tea parties the hot ticket.

 Annie Deakin is a journalist, fashion and furniture expert and editor at mydeco.com who is currently interested in
washing machines, ovens and lighting