That time of the year has arrived again. You know what I'm talking about. The minute…no, the second a ray of sunshine appears, the same thought pops into everyone’s head: garden party! Now this may come in several forms; a barbeque or setting up your own beer garden, but the initial thought process is still the same. The sun is shining, therefore we must have a party and we must have it outside.

Regardless of the fact that (a) we live in a country where 11 1/2 months of the year we’re faced with wind, rain and generally miserable weather, or (b) no matter how much or how long the planning for the event takes, an "unseen" factor will emerge, usually in the form of dark clouds or a swarm of flying insects.

Once the decision to have the party has been made (when will we have one, where will we have one) the task of digging out the apparatus required for the big event is next. If your tables and chairs have been sitting in the garden or back yard a thorough scrubbing will be required to remove the inevitable tell tale signs of wet and windy weather in previous months. If you're lucky a simple dusting off will be all that's required as they've been stored away in a shed or garage.

The alternative however, is to purchase brand new items. Happily, if not coincidentally, this time of need is also the point in time when a majority of stores have their summer sales. The basic list for an outdoors party should include the following: a table (for the food and drinks), chairs or some kind of seating equipment, eating and drinking utensils, lighting equipment (for when the party continues until after dark) and the all important barbeque.

Garden accessories are also available in a variety of shapes, colours and sizes. Although there are many to choose from, the most popular ones usually reflect the mood of the shopper, for example bright sunny rainbow colours to cheer up even the dullest of atmosphere or days.