From simple patio umbrellas to really fancy ones with lights running on the inside of the umbrellas are available and, of course, we have to make the choice. Instead of buying the wooden frame umbrellas the metal ones or fibre glass is better, if we want it to last for a long time. Some of the patio umbrellas have the stand on the side instead of the centre. The offset patio umbrella also has the side stand. This can be used when it is not too windy as it does not seem to be very stable but we can place it according to our convenience to either ward off too much of heat or get more heat. There are umbrellas which which have acrylic fibre and they are in bright colours . They are strong and repel water. The colour does not fade in sunlight. The fabric gives 98% UV protection.

Compared to the patio umbrellas which have an independent stand, those which have the pole passing through the table are more stable. The patio umbrellas which are for erecting on the beach side, have spikes on the pole so that they can be fixed properly on the sand.

While determining the size of the umbrella to be purchased, we must see that it fully covers the table and chairs kept underneath it. For instance, for a 30 inch bistro or coffee table at least a 6 ft. umbrella will be needed. It is also important to measure the legs of the table and accordingly decide on the height of the umbrella. The fibre glass frames are sturdier than the wooden as well as the aluminium frames. So the fibre glass frames and pole are a better option.

To match our patio umbrella suitable outdoor patio furniture may be bought. We can buy cane, teak wood, vinyl strap furniture or else wicker furniture. Cane furniture will get affected by the weather, be it sunshine, rain or frost. Teak wood furniture is much stronger and maintenance is not much of a problem. It is termite proof but it is very heavy. They,no doubt look very nice but it is difficult to bring the chairs out each time we want to sit outside. At the same time we cannot leave them outside all the time. Besides, they are very expensive.

Vinyl strap furniture are light and easy to wash. They may become loose over a period of time or they may have to be changed. We can choose a different colour strap just for a change. These, however, do not look particularly nice. Another alternative is wicker furniture. The problem with rattan, water hyacinth and other natural fibres which are used for making wicker furniture, is that though they look very nice and appropriate for the surroundings, they cannot take the weather onslaughts. So it would be better to buy all weather wicker furniture.

Loom Crafts Outdoor furniture asserts that they have the world's largest range of synthetic wicker woven outdoor furniture and that they offer maximum choice in wicker and fabric colours. The other notable features are:

1. They are UV, colour,water and frost proof and are strong

2. They are quite reasonably priced.

3. They require no maintenance.

4. They repel dirt and are environment friendly

5. They have a 3 year warranty plus after sales service.

All weather wicker furniture should have attractive cushions also. Patio cushions made with solution dyed acrylic sunbrella fabrics are well-known and they have a 5 year warranty. They are durable and do not fade or stain chairs. Cushions are available for rocking chairs, benches and swings. There are bar stool cushions, wicker cushions and one can get custom made cushions for any special size furniture one may have. The cushion fabric can be of the same colour as the colour of the patio umbrella. It is practical to have washable patio cushions. They should dry up easily. So accordingly those kind of patio cushions must be bought.

To make the patio an interesting place to entertain people a little effort may be made to choose the right kind of furniture and properly fitting cushions for them.