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In search of furniture for your garden? Spring might feel like a long way off, but the experts have revealed the best date to start buying your outdoor dining sets — and it's sooner than you think.

According to Ryan Schwarze, garden furniture expert at Luxury Rattan, Monday 7th February is when households should start buying garden furniture before demand rockets around the UK.

"To avoid the mad rush that starts during spring, we would suggest buying, or looking to buy your garden furniture and accessories on the 7th February, as this is when we first begin to see demand increase," Ryan explains. "Securing your furniture on this date means you'll usually be able to get exactly what you want, instead of opting for what's left and it allows for plenty of time for delivery ahead of peak dates."

Last year saw garden furniture sell out in record time, with long lead times, supply problems, and pre-order waits for garden chairs, dining tables, egg chairs, and warming fire pits. Many of us might be thinking about how to get our outdoor spaces set for summer (anyone else bored of the cold weather?), but you'll have to shop fast if you want to find the items you really want.

Ryan adds: "With your garden furniture ordered you can start to prepare your seating area, think about adding other accessories such as an outdoor carpet or fire pit before making a start on the rest of your garden maintenance tasks ahead of the sunshine - meaning you'll have more time to relax later!"

Need some inspiration? Take a look at our favourite garden furniture sets to buy now...

This reasonably-priced set looks smart and modern. Thanks to the polypropylene material, it's easy to wipe clean – and the chairs are stackable. 

We're looking forward to sunny days relaxing with family outside. This FSC-certified wooden garden furniture set will make a lovely addition to your space. There's even a table for your glass of Pimms. 

This square dining set would look lovely tucked in a corner, or would make a good option if your patio area is on the small side. 

Rule of six gathering, anyone?

How chic is this? International travel is still off the cards for now, but sitting on this glamorous sofa set in your garden might be the next best thing. 

A classic little bistro set, perfect for popping on your balcony for al fresco breakfasts in the sun. 

 We can just see ourselves curled up in this chair reading a book. 

Made has a range of bright and beautiful garden furniture this season – we love the contrasting greens and pinks of this modern bench. 

Your patio is about to get a serious upgrade. There's plenty of space for the whole family here – plus ample room for everyone's drinks too. 

Rattan furniture looks great, but the real deal isn't especially well suited to the great outdoors. This polyrattan option is a great alternative, so you don't have to compromise on the look you want.  

This set wouldn't look out of place in your living room so, if you like a indoor/outdoor living feel, this would be a great choice. 

Along with four (reclining) chairs and a table, this set also comes with a parasol, making it great value for money. 

On a budget? You don't need to scrimp on space. Here's a classic picnic table, with plenty of room to sit around for Saturday barbecues.

Cheer up dreary outside spaces with this cheery set of chairs. There's plenty of matching furniture (in a selection of colours) in this range, so feel free to mix-and-match. 

This sofa is the perfect combination of rustic charm and modern styling. 

Create a real outdoor bar feel in your garden with this tall dining set. Now you just need an outdoor drinks cart and you're all set. 

Here's another sweet bistro set – we love the pale green hue. 

Another great one for those who enjoy the rattan look. 

This sofa set can be used indoors and outdoors, so it's a good one to deck out your conservatory with, we think. 

Need something to brighten up your drab patio? Anthropologie is well known for its beautiful decorative designs and this gorgeous indoor/outdoor stool is no exception. 

Here's another garden furniture set that will help you recreate the feeling of being at a bar on a far-flung beach. Be quick if you're interested in this, though, there's only one available. 

Garden Trading always has such sophisticated furniture pieces – we especially love this roomy anthracite grey bench set for six. There's a two-seater version, as well.  

Remember having guests? Soon enough, we can have everyone piled around the table for summer barbecues. This huge, cosy set will ensure there's enough seating for everyone for your first big bash after lockdown. 

Another cosy hanging chair – this one is very bohemian. 

A splash of yellow just makes any space a bit more inviting. This is a great price for two outdoor tables, too. 

This bistro set has a trough at the end to keep your drinks cold while you relax. Very handy. 

Using pallets as furniture is an low cost, low environmental impact way to ensure there's plenty of seating in your garden. It looks striking, as well. 

We're pretty sure we can find our zen lying in this hammock – even during a global pandemic. 

For long evenings spent relaxing outside, you need a lounge chair. Paired with a bright, textured cushion, this natural rattan number would look great sitting on your decking or patio. 

Forget boring garden benches – this outdoor rattan sofa will give your garden seating area a sophisticated upgrade.  

At just under £1000, this item is a bit of a splurge purchase – but there's no denying this is the dream setup for long sunny days at home. 

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