Why does food always taste so much better outdoors? There's nothing better than a balmy summer's evening spent with friends over a meal outside on the patio.

If you are entertaining in your garden this summer, Lakeland has a sophisticated web site to add to its 22 stores and mail order catalogue, so stocking up with their invaluable gadgets and gizmos has never been easier.

The out-of-the-kitchen department has all kinds of products for outdoor life.

Check out the selection of tablecloth weights, mesh food covers and insulated butter dish (£4.95), for example. There are solutions to the inevitable bug problem with citronella tea lights, incense sticks and a wasp catcher.

Goods are usually despatched within 48 hours and, if you spend less than £38, you will need to add £2.95 to cover postage and packing.

For the ultimate in contemporary chic, try McCord. Choose the garden room on the home page and browse through beautifully-shot photos of the latest must-have products. How about a large galvanised Titanic ice tub for the beer (£18), a set of rattan-encased highball glasses (£19.99 for six) and this season's way to keep the chill off after sundown, the Mexican chimenea (£199)?

The site is a dream to use with full details on all products and readily available customer information. A carriage charge of £2.95 will be added to your bill and delivery times for each item is confirmed when you view your shopping bag at the end. The maximum wait is 28 days, although most items arrive much earlier.

Greenfingers.com has a great range of dining accessories in the outdoor dining and leisure section of its on-line superstore.

I found gazebos for when it is too hot, patio heaters for when it is too cool and some elegant unbreakable tableware (£45 for a 16-piece set) and wine goblets (£33 for six large glasses) for when it is time to eat. Order well in advance, as delivery (charged at an additional £3.50) can take a surprisingly-long 15 working days.

Lighting is important for creating atmosphere outdoors. The best selection I found was at Cucina Direct. In the outdoor entertaining section, there are stunning glass tea-light holders (£14 for six), classic hurricane lamps (£12) which allow you to enjoy candlelight even if there is a breeze and an oil lamp which can also act as a mozzie repellent.

If you are really feeling lavish or are holding a larger party, what about some candle lights on steel spikes to illuminate the garden (£20 for two). Delivery will cost an additional £4 and usually takes around seven working days.

www.lakelandlimited.com
www.mccord.uk.com
www.greenfingers.com
www.cucinadirect.co.uk