In summer, the best seat in the house is outside - especially at mealtime. Outdoor dining sets come in three basic materials (see below), so choose the one that suits your lifestyle.
Kids prone to spilling? Synthetic wicker is a cinch to clean. Entertain often? Consider a fancier set in wrought iron or teak. When you shop, test table height and legroom; make sure chairs fit under the table and are comfortably body-contoured.
Teak, eucalyptus and cedar are very good choices. But pine, oak and natural wicker are not, because they deteriorate outdoors.
Teak, a rainforest wood, is the most expensive (five-piece sets run from $950 to $2,700). It lasts up to 100 years and weathers from brown to silvery gray. So if you prefer the original color, apply teak protector once a year, or twice in humid climates. Responsibly harvested teak comes with a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) stamp.
Eucalyptus sets (which also should carry the FSC stamp) can last almost as long as teak if they are treated annually with a water-based acrylic sealant - and they're less expensive; they cost between $325 and $1,000.
Cedar sets ($600 to $1,000) last about 20 years and need an annual coating of protective oil.
Regardless of the material, look for sturdy joinery: dovetail or mortise and tenon joints, dowels and pegs, and stainless-steel screws. Brass screws should come with an antirust coating. Never buy furniture that's glued or stapled.
Two smart options are wrought iron and aluminum. Most iron furniture isn't really wrought (hammered over a fire); it's cast (molded). Sets can be expensive; they typically cost $600 to $2,300. You get sturdy stuff in a range of styles, from Italian-villa filigree to sleekly modern.
If you want wrought iron, be sure it's powder-coated - sprayed with ground pigment and resin that protect it from rust. Even then, any scratches can rust; immediately sand and apply touch-up paint (available from manufacturers and home-improvement stores).
Aluminum patio sets, which cost about the same as wrought iron ones, are completely rust-resistant and so light that they're easy to move. Cast aluminum can look as ornate as wrought iron. Stainless, galvanized and powder-coated steel sets are also good choices; they're durable, easy to care for and can be moderately priced (starting at about $300). For safety reasons, a glass tabletop on any steel set should be tempered glass.
Plastic sets are the most affordable, starting at $50. They're easy to stack and store, and they're virtually indestructible. The downside: Plastic is not as attractive or comfortable as other materials (the more expensive the set, the better the seating), and white plastic shows scuffs and discolorations.
Another synthetic choice to consider: all-weather wicker, made of plastic resin. Nearly identical to natural wicker, it's easy to clean - you just spray it with a hose. All-weather wicker sets are reasonably priced (they start at $600) and weather-resistant. Just make sure the frames are constructed from galvanized, stainless or powder-coated steel or from rust-resistant aluminum.
* On another matter: Women who get a little heavy-handed with the eye shadow or lipstick can undo missteps with these easy tips from Theresa Robison of Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics: To soften eye shadow, layer a lighter shade over it; a shimmery taupe neutralizes most colors. Good Housekeeping suggests Jane Iredale Eye Shadow in Taupe ($17.50, janeiredaledirect.com) or Estée Lauder Pure Color Eyeshadow in Camouflage ($17.50, department stores). If you've overloaded your lips with color (or used the wrong one entirely), apply a clear gloss or balm over it, then blot with a tissue. Repeat until you've subdued or removed the offending layers.
