French wire garden furniture like that above is the prettiest you'll find and the best place to get it from is Pia Bang.

It's not really wire at all but coils of iron. Painted a light shade of green and slightly distressed, it should get better looking with age.

The table costs €179, as does each chair.

Pictured too is Pia Bang's own garden; a table similar to the one shown can be bought from her shop, again for €179.

Also try Bang for bits and pieces to decorate the patio area: cute moss covered bird houses are €20, cast-iron bird baths with two perching birds cost €39; dark wicker baskets with sturdy garden tools are €55 and pastel-coloured watering cans are €28.

Pia Bang, 46 Grafton Street, Dublin 2 Tel 01 6715065