If you’ve been thinking about turning your front porch, back patio or garden into a charming space suitable for outdoor living and entertaining, you’ve probably considered some type of floor covering. An area rug added under patio furniture or used as transition between home and garden helps define your space and make it more cozy and colorful. Made of durable materials and fade-resistant dyes, outdoor mats and rugs have come a long way. The selection at Ballard Designs is extensive and easy to navigate. Offering everything from bordered to braided rugs in animal, striped, floral, botanical and geometric prints, this site will help you imagine the possibilities. We like the Turin indoor/outdoor rugs ($50-$550). They have the look and feel of wool, yet are hand tufted of poly-acrylic pile for withstanding the elements. And check out these 100 percent polypropylene rugs (pictured) loomed in a sisal weave ($30-$260). The graphic flower motif, offered in a range of colors, is fun and the rugs are easy to clean. Just use mild soap and rinse with a hose. Speaking of no-hassle, great-looking floor coverings for the outdoors, have you seen the eco-friendly creations from Mad Mats? Made of recycled polypropylene (used soda bottles, packing, etc.) and produced under fair trade conditions, each rug is reversible and woven of soft tubular threads that do not absorb dirt or stains and will not mildew or rot. We dig the super vibrant Oriental Turkish mat in aqua ($40 for the 4-x 6-foot size). Also pretty in plastic are the runners from Swedish maker, Pappelina. We love the Lilo jacquard woven plastic rug ($161, from Scandinavian Design Center). Maybe you’re looking for something neutral colored? Visit Natural Area Rugs for some fine looking spun polypropylene outdoor models, such as this Colorado area rug ($39-$339).

For a truly global marketplace, stop in at NOVICA. This innovative shopping experience partners with National Geographic to feature home décor, jewelry, apparel, and artwork by some 2,000 artists from the Andes, Bali and Java, Brazil, India, Mexico, Thailand and West Africa. With its online distribution model, NOVICA removes layers of middle men and their markups, allowing the artisans to make more money while customers get lower prices. NOVICA wants shoppers to know the artisans behind the product, stating, “We want you to feel that attachment to the product and to the hands that created it.” With that in mind, every item includes a profile of the artist. You can read his or her personal story, “save” him to your favorite artists list and search for more of his works. For instance, we found this exquisite hand-tooled mahogany and leather table designed by Peruvian craftsman Abel Rios ($178); when you click on his other items, a list of 60-plus pieces — including jewelry boxes, chairs, ottomans, and more — comes up. Create your own virtual bazaar by starting an account to keep track of your favorite items, whether it’s this striped alpaca wool shawl ($66) or the striking “White Torch” photograph ($130); you can even send photos or painting as e-cards. If you’re in the market for something unique for a special someone, try the GiftFinder for ideas, such as these bright bamboo boxes ($105) by Wayan Genep from Bali as a corporate gift. But our favorite NOVICA market is the GiftAnimals section, with everything from the silver Elephant Parade cuff bracelet ($118) and this charming Playful Cat key holder ($45) to this whimsical “Zebra as Acrobat” sculpture ($273; pictured) and an array of animal masks. Now, that puts the world at your fingertips!

The great thing about going to the beach is staying a while. The rhythms of the surf, the sea air — they work a relaxing magic on stress as you swim and snooze, read a book or chat with friends. We suggest you make the most of your day with a beach umbrella, which will provide privacy and shade and lay claim to your turf. At Shade USA, there are several to choose from. Our favorite for groups is the 20-panel rainbow beach umbrella ($35). The canopy is seven feet in diameter, can be tilted as you like, has an SPF rating of 100 and is water resistant. This one comes with a free self-anchoring system, so you don’t have to purchase a separate sand anchor. Half the size and almost two-thirds less expensive (not to mention much lighter to haul at three pounds) is the clamp-on beach umbrella ($13). It attaches to any arm-rest or tubular frame piece and has an SPF of 35. Or go all out with a Solartek Windbrella ($50), with a six-foot canopy made of a silver fabric that bounces 95 percent of UV rays. Of course, you may forgo the umbrella and bring along a Kelsyus Recline Backpack Chair and UV Canopy ($40; pictured) instead or a Fargason tent chair ($60) if you don’t plan to flatten out on a towel. These portable chairs provide their own shade. The Kelsyus has a drink holder; the Fargason has zippered side windows. And don’t forget a body board for riding waves and frolicking in the surf. A fine entry-level board is the Baja, by Morey (on sale for $65). The Dimple bottom-skin increases speed while the grooved slots minimize turbulence and hold the waves. We like that it comes with a wrist leash so you needn’t spend time hunting for your board if you wipe out. Add towels, summer reading and a cooler full of snacks, and you’ll be awfully close to heaven.

Whether you’re planning a family reunion, outing to the park, trip to the beach or picnic with your neighbors, a key part of the success of your event will be a good cooler. This utilitarian piece of equipment is incredibly necessary – imagine how everyone’s enthusiasm would melt away if they were presented with warm drinks on a 90-plus-degree day. The clever people at Igloo Coolers have a nifty online device to help you find the cooler you need. Click on the type of event (the categories are “park, beach or backyard,” “team sports or tailgating,” “camping,” “sportsman” and “lunch”) and then click on the number of people your cooler needs to serve. Seconds later you’ll have a selection of Igloo coolers to choose from. For example, someone needing a cooler for a tailgate party serving a large group could buy the Ice Cube Max Cold 70 roller ($80), which has wheels, a telescoping handle, the capacity to hold 101 cans and can keep ice cold for five days. Families who enjoy camping should consider the Igloo All-Terrain Cooler 120 ($150), which has heavy-duty rubber tires for hauling it over sand, grass and gravel, and holds up to 185 cans and ice. Not to be outdone, Coleman has its own vast selection of coolers. Its top-of-the-line offerings include the 100-quart Wheeled Extreme Cooler ($130), which can hold 130 cans plus ice, has a tow handle with two large wheels and can keep ice from melting for up to five days with outdoor temperatures of 90 degrees. Coleman has also reintroduced its classic steel-belted cooler, and its redesign makes it look more like an appliance for a luxury kitchen than an accessory for a picnic. The 54-quart steel belted cooler is durable and comes with a rust-resistant drain ($200). For use at the pool, the Sam’s Club Float-A-Bout Cooler (pictured) holds up to 18 cans inside and up to six cans outside on a ring attached to the main container. It floats and comes with its own nylon carrying case, for easy storage ($33). For backyard parties, L. L. Bean sells this attractive steel cooler ($260) mounted on a rolling serving cart. The inside is a watertight molded interior, with a drain. Pour your ice around the beer bottles, park it near the barbecue grill, and your guests can take care of themselves.

Sometimes you have to create your own breeze, especially on oppressive summer evenings. When it’s lovely outdoors, it’s hard to beat having a place to sit and rock while taking in the night air. The Adirondack glider (pictured) is big enough for two, comes in five great color options and looks classic in the garden or on the porch; plus it’s made of cypress, which resists deterioration ($438). Like the look but think you’re more of a rocker than a glider? Try the Great American Nantucket Adirondack rocking chair available in six colors and made of durable alder wood ($280). A variation on the Adirondack style but southernized and left unfinished for your own stain or paint is the Southern cypress four-foot Savannah Swing, with contoured comfort seats and stainless steel fasteners, perfect for hanging on your veranda ($287). Did someone say “comfort”? That would be found in the Hatteras Adventurer traditional deluxe hammock chair with chambray cushion. This one’s made of birch and weather-resistant, colorfast rope yarns and holds up to 350 pounds ($99). Also hammocky is the deluxe bent oak porch swing from Nags Head Hammocks. We like the way its solid construction and clean design incorporate rope hammock seats and a center table to place a glass of iced tea upon ($459). For something completely different (and new for spring ’08), consider the Miami Loveseat Glider at Pipefine, where all of the furniture is made-to-order from PVC pipe and guaranteed for life. We like its rounded, distinctive look ($320).

Usher in a sizzling start to the summer season this Memorial Day with the latest and greatest grill and the requisite accessories. For the master of the barbecue who isn’t afraid to spend a pretty penny, try the OCI freestanding 36-inch grill with sear zone, rotisserie and cart ($5,310). If you’re in a condo or apartment with only a balcony for cooking, the compact Toolbox grill  ($69). Here’s a grill guaranteed to make the gang go ga ga: The Traeger Lil’ Pig grill looks like a pink pig, but cooks like a standard grill ($1,600). Also available for the same price: A Tractor Grill and a Longhorn Steer Grill. Bed Bath and Beyond’s Smokin’ Tex Pro Series Smoker gives beef, pork, poultry, seafood or vegetables an old-fashioned smoky pit barbecue taste ($580). Place any dry hardwood in the smoker, shut the door, set the temperature and voila! If hot dogs and hamburgers aren’t your thing, never fear. Pop a pie on the barbie. The PizzAGrill by Villa Ware allows you to create brick oven pizza on your own grill ($100). Instead of toting out a flashlight to check if the pork’s still pink, invest in this mini magnetic grill light ($17) Attach the bullet-shaped light to any stainless steel cooking utensil and focus the light on the food. A little sizzle or burn on barbecue isn’t bad, but on your head? That’s another story. Shield yourself from the sun’s rays with this grill canopy ($80). It fits cart-style barbecues with dual side platforms and is made from flame-retardant fabric. Ratchet up the grilling ambiance with these wooden Adirondack chair candle holders from Sur La Table. Even if you’re stranded in the big city you’ll be dreaming of a breezy deck facing the beach. And when the grillin’s done, it’s time for a cocktail. The Margaritaville Party Cooler , a bar-style mixed drink dispenser, is perfect for doling out tasty margaritas or daiquiris ($350).

You don’t need conveniently spaced trees in your yard, or even a yard, to experience the pleasures of hanging around and taking it easy. All you need is a hammock, and there are plenty to choose from. At Hammocks.com, the bestselling Island Bay extra-large basic rope model is on sale for $90 or $100. Made of thick, soft cotton or polyester rope cord, it fits two people comfortably and comes with a money-back guarantee. In South America, where ham- mocks often serve as beds, the styles include the Brazilian hammock ($59), a strong, brightly colored fabric hammock 6 feet, 5 inches long, and the Mayan family hammock ($79), a comfortable 14-foot-long “sleeping sack” hand woven by Mayan craftswomen. Both are available at Outer Banks Hammocks. Here in the U.S., a favorite style is the quilted fabric hammock, and Swings n’ Things has an extra large, high-quality model for half off retail ($99). The two layers of fabric are fade-, mildew-, and stain-resistant and are filled with polyester batting. If insects are an annoyance where you live, try the ultra-light Skeeter Beater ($54) from Seaside hammocks. It lets you zip yourself in to a podlike sack, the top half of which is made of extremely fine mosquito netting. And for a luxurious way to relax by the pool, try the poolside hammock from Brookstone ($140, pictured). For whatever hammock you choose, you’ll need a stand, unless you really do have those afore- mentioned trees. Over at Twin Oaks Hammocks, the stands are reduced. A single, standard large or premium large stand, available in green or black, will hang you up for $99 to $129. Be sure to get the right size for your hammock’s length and weight limitations. Wheel kits are also available to help you move it around on your patio, balcony, or the grass. Speaking of stands, take a look at the Roman Arc before making your decision. It’s substantially more expensive than the others ($495 or $795, depending on size), but it’s an architectural beauty made of American cypress.

It’s that time of year. Rain, snow, hail and all kinds of gunk are blowing through your yard, and will be for the next few months. There’s nothing worse than discovering dirt and mildew when spring - the season for outdoor entertaining - returns. So be sure that your patio furniture is well protected from the elements with the right covers. They should be secure and watertight, durable but not an eyesore. At Koverroos, there are four types of material to select from—to go with your climate and budget–and a great selection of covers for every need. They’ll also create custom covers for nonstandard furniture and they’ll special order Sunbrella fabric for folks in sun-drenched climes. At Patio Experts, the large selection of covers includes those for chimeneyas, lawn mowers/snow blowers, bicycles, and outdoor heaters. The Cover Store manufactures CoverMates Classic and Elite grade products and sells them factory direct to you. Classic is more affordable, constructed from 12 gauge PVC and laminated with an inner polyester lining. Elite is a high grade, polyester material designed to make moisture bead up. These covers include built-in vents. Take care of your patio furniture now and find it all looking unblemished this spring.