Just in time for summer: our roundup of tried-and-true summer essentials for the deck, the patio, the porch, the beach.
Above: For outdoor seating, Julie likes the well-priced Brommo Folding Deck Chair, made from acacia wood and polypropylene rope; $59.99 at Ikea.
Above: Francesca swears by Design Within Reach's Tuuci Hexegon Umbrella (its cleat and pulley system of marine-grade stainless steel is the same used on racing boats). Currently on sale for $1,450 (umbrella only), it's an investment piece that will last from one summer to the next. The companion Tucci Umbrella Stands are available for $525 each.
Above: Sarah has a Cast-Iron Fire Bowl in her Napa Valley back yard. ("It is great at the beginning and end of summer when the evenings get a little chilly and you still want to be outdoors," she says.) The bowl measures 23 inches in diameter and has two built-in handles for portability; $465 at Design Within Reach.
Above: In the summer, Sarah moves her surprisingly comfortable Snow Peak Long Back Camp Chairs from her guest cottage to her patio; $215.95 at Snow Peak.
Above: Alexa uses durable enamel ware dishes for outdoor camping, picnicking, and days at the beach; The black Enamel Dish (L) is £12.95 and the Enamel Mug (R) is £6.95 from Toast.
Above: Julie is contemplating a generously sized sheared cotton Beach Towels from Chance in New York (choose from Reserved, La Plage, La Piscine, or SPF 10,000); $85 each.
Above: A staple in Sarah's back garden, the Biergarten Table (88 inches long) from Germany; $549.99 at Beer Garden Tables.
Above: Christine was introduced to the Wooden Platters by Jonathan Legge of Makers & Brothers, "these wooden plates have become my 'go to' plates for everything; including outdoor picnics." €27 for the large (L) and €22 for the small (R).
Above: Christine uses the quick-release Peterboro Picnic Time Bicycle Basket to transport food and drink for picnics at the beach: $55 at Peterboro Basket Company.
Above: Michelle's outdoor summer pick is Pawley's Island rope hammocks; the Large DuraCord Rope Hammock is $169.99 from Pawley's Island Hammocks.
Above: Janet uses Galvanized Wash Tubs filled with ice to keep beverages cool for outdoor entertaining (the smaller tubs work well as wine coolers, while large tubs can hold an evening's supply of drinks); $21.17 at Amazon for the 22-inch-diameter tub shown.
N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on June 2, 2011.