DINING IN (OR OUT) IS SUCH A PLEASURE

Wicker furniture isn’t just about cane chairs in the garden to relax in, or a sofa and chairs in a sun room - nowadays there are a variety of dining suites which would look equally as good in a conservatory, dining room or how about eating al fresco on a warm summer evening?

Dining furniture can be as cosy as an intimate table for two, while larger but equally stylish suites can seat up to six people for family get togethers or entertaining friends.

Some suites come as a mix of wood and cane, others are completely cane. Tops can be made from rattan, wood or glass, the latter is often used to emphasise the feel of summer dining - all-year-through.

The suite can be sturdy and if looked after properly (see tips for How to Protect) will last for many years.

One tip is that before you select cane, rattan or wicker furniture for outdoors you check to see how weather resistant it is. As the furniture tends to be lighter than ordinary dining suites, it is no hardship to just transfer the suite from indoors out onto the patio in fine weather just for special occasions (or just because the sun is shining, or the evening is balmy) - give it a try!