THERE'S nothing better than enjoying the long summer evenings outside with friends.

However, you may be thinking that your garden could do with sprucing up before inviting guests over for summer cocktails. There are a whole host of accessories that can make all the difference to your garden.

Garden Furniture:

Treat yourself to a beautiful set of garden furniture that will last for years to come. You may prefer wooden furniture for a natural look, or perhaps a set of metal framed furniture.

It's a good idea to mix old with new for a more rustic feel to your garden. Adapt old wooden desks or even small chests or bedside cabinets to use as outside tables.

Light the mood:

Garden lighting is both practical and appealing and can create a soft ambient mood for your summer soires. Delicate Net Lights are available which are ideal for gazebos, walls and hedges, or you may prefer a Chinese lantern set to light up your life.

Alternatively, when the sun goes down, light the way with rows of candles in pretty painted jars.

Party all night long:

When the evening chill sets in, there's no need to cut short your enjoyment in the garden.

Patio heaters are becoming very trendy for pub and bar gardens, so why not invest in one for your own garden and make the most of your summer garden. Patio heaters range from £149- £299.

Pots of style:

Finishing touches make a world of difference to your garden. There are some beautiful resin or terracotta pots available, you just need to choose your favourite plants and flowers to fill them with. A splash of colour on your patio will guarantee to liven up or complement a theme. A quick and effective edging for summer borders is painted cobbles and stones to tone in with your planting scheme. Wet metallic stones add a fantastic modern feel in summer sunlight.