Summer's here and the time is right for outdoor living. From formal al fresco dining and informal barbecues through to ideas for conservatories and garden rooms, read on to find out how to make the most of your garden this summer.

BRING THE GARDEN IN

Don't despair if the typical British weather forces you to stay inside this summer. It's easy to feel as if you're out in the garden even when you're indoors - garden rooms and conservatories are great for bringing the garden into the house. Fill the room with plants and flowers, the more exotic the better! Both real and artificial plants will help create a hot-house feel. Use pots in vivid colours and interesting shapes to display them.

Floral or botanical print fabrics for cushions, throws and upholstery will also help create the illusion of the garden being inside. If you don't have a conservatory, consider installing French windows to a dining-room or lounge. This will enable you to create the same effect of merging the indoors with outdoors.

A ROOM FOR ALL SEASONS

Despite their potential, conservatories are often under-used rooms because the unpredictable British weather can make them uncomfortable to use when it's cold or too hot. Yet a conservatory is a substantial investment and adds real value to a property, so it makes sense to use the room all year round.

Well-fitted conservatory blinds are vital and they need not be too glaring or obtrusive. Invest in quality furniture and ring the changes with different patterned fabrics for the upholstery and cushions. Look for specially treated wooden furniture which can be used both indoors and outdoors.

AL FRESCO DINING

From informal family barbecues to full-scale garden parties, al fresco dining just shouts "summer". One of the great things about entertaining in your garden is that you can drink as much as you like, because you won't be driving home! For formal outdoor dining, a gazebo will provide a cover for the table, whatever the weather. Look for classic, well-made wooden furniture with a long table and plenty of chairs for your guests.

For informal breakfasts and suppers on the patio, choose an outdoor dining set with director's chair-style seating. A mosaic tile design on the table is great for a Mediterranean look. Bold striped or polka dot patterns for the seat cushions and parasol are also popular at the moment.

The most informal kind of outdoor dining has to be a picnic. Whether on a day out or just lounging around in the garden, picnic sets with real cutlery and crockery mean you can enjoy eating outside in luxury throughout the summer.

SUMMER LIGHTING

To make the most of long, summer evenings, don't forget to consider outdoor lighting. Solar powered lights are a good option and there are plenty of threaded light designs available to be woven around trees or banisters on decking. Alternatively, candlelight is the most traditional form of lighting and arguably creates the most intimate atmosphere. However, for safety reasons, remember never to leave a lit candle unattended.

LAZY SUMMER DAYS

Lying in a hammock is the ultimate way to enjoy a lazy summer's day in the garden. Don't worry if you're technically-challenged, as there's no need for trees or hammering with today's deck hammocks. They simply fold out, just like deckchairs. For children, there's a great range of outdoor beanbags in vibrant colours. If you're feeling more energetic, why not get sporty in the garden with croquet, cricket, football or tennis sets? Alternatively, a trampoline provides hours of endless fun for children (and adults).

THE PERFECT VENUE

Think of your garden as an extra room in your house, which is there to be enjoyed and used. Whatever the occasion, whether formal or informal, your garden is the perfect venue for outdoor living. So what are you waiting for?

SHOPPING DIRECTORY

B&Q

0845 850 0175 www.diy.com

Debenhams

0844 561 6161 www.debenhams.com

Flowers & Plants Association

020 7738 8044 www.flowers.org.uk

John Lewis

0845 604 9049 www.johnlewis.com

Laura Ashley

0871 230 2301 www.lauraashley.com

Marks & Spencer

0845 302 1234 www.marksandspencer.com

Thomas Sanderson

0800 220 603 www.thomassanderson.com

1. Look for colourful upholstery and cushions for your conservatory or garden room furniture. Rossiter rattan armchair shown in Clarissa fabric, £450; Rossiter rattan two-seater sofa shown in Tennent off-white fabric, £750; both from Laura Ashley.

2. Fill your lounge or conservatory with exotic flowers and plants to instantly bring the garden in. Picture courtesy of the Flowers & Plants Association.

3. Choose interestingly-shaped and coloured pots to display your plants, like these from Marks & Spencer. Medium sand pot, £28; tall orange season pot, £39.50; large orange season pot, £19.50.

4. Conservatory blinds can be stylish and subtle like these from Thomas Sanderson. Full set of conservatory blinds from £2,500.

5. Bring the outdoors in with the relaxed look of the Pacific range from Marks & Spencer. Pacific large 2-seater sofa, £999; Pacific armchair, £649; Pacific side table, £199; Pacific coffee table, £249; Flower Aari embroidery cushion, £15.

6. Bring some Fifties style to your summer parties with the Memphis two burner gas barbecue from B&Q: £149.98.

7. While away lazy summer days on this funky deck hammock from John Lewis. Deck hammock, £75; flower beach mat, £49; flower scatter cushion, £10.

8. This Global mosaic table and chairs set is perfect for informal dining on the patio: £235 for table and two chairs, Debenhams.

9. Choose informal dining furniture for impromptu breakfasts and suppers on the patio. Miami stripe parasol, £70; Miami folding table, £80; Miami stripe director's chair, £30; Miami folding chair, £40; all from John Lewis.

10. Arrange a row of these Chinese lanterns on your patio, steps or in the garden to create an intimate atmosphere: £10 each, Debenhams.

11. Invest in classic furniture for al fresco dining with an emphasis on comfort. Gazebo, £265; Brompton lantern and candle, £99 each; gas barbecue, £550; Somersby armchair, £99 each; all from John Lewis.