8 of the best country buys for outdoor living

1 Fired up
A fire pit adds ambience to your patio and keeps you warm well into the evening. Toast your toes (or marshmallows!) with this stylish steel fire pit, £79.99, Oxford Barbeques. It comes with a protective mesh cover - perfect for keeping pets and children at bay.

2 Dine al fresco
Whether it's a leisurely weekend breakfast or a mid-week unwind with a glass of wine, create a lovely setting for dining al fresco with this French-style bistro set, £292,
Miafleur. Cute, compact and pretty to look at, it suits any outdoor space no matter what size, from lengthy lawns to bijoux balconies.

3 Light the way
Not only are outdoor fairy lights practical for evening get-togethers, they cast an ambient glow over proceedings. We love these warm white solar lights, £14 from Lights For Fun; strung up along your garden fence or bundled together, they create the perfect party atmosphere!

4 Soak up the sun
Top up your tan in style with this sophisticated sun lounger, £69 from Garden Selections. Designed with comfort in mind, it's got a slight curve to support your back and an adjustable padded headrest. It's light to move too, allowing you to chase the sun before folding away with ease at the end of the day.

5 Beautiful blankets
A versatile blanket is a summer essential - particularly with weather as unpredictable as ours. These luxury lambswool blankets, £119 from Tolly Mcrae, come in an array of rainbow shades as well as with a leather strap for easy transportation - use them for impromptu picnics or to huddle under when the sun goes in.

6 Lay the table
When it comes to dining outdoors, unbreakable tableware is always a good option. For a pop of summer colour, opt for the Flowerdrop collection from Collier Campbell;
stunning country inspired blooms in vibrant shades adorn sturdy melamine plates, bowls and beakers. Prices start from £5.

7 Store in style
Outdoor living has just as much potential for clutter as indoor living. Ensure your garden stays neat and tidy with these rustic personalised crates, from £39, Plantabox.
One for games, another for cushions - and most importantly, one to hold the drinks!

8 Acting shady
We all love a sunny day, but there are times when a shady shelter is preferable. To enjoy being outside without feeling the heat, invest in a sturdy parasol - we love the striped design on this garden umbrella, £52.95, All Things Brighton Beautiful.

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