You don't need Monet to tell you the art of sophisticated al fresco dining extends to the furniture.

Vintage wicker, modern teak and graceful iron tables add style to the garden picnic. Paired with comfortable chairs (good designers avoid matching sets), guests will linger at your table sipping wine, shooting the breeze and swiping vicious mosquitoes to their heart's content.

In the fickle climate of the Bay Area we have to settle on materials that withstand the harsh summer elements. How frigid is it? Mark Twain once said the coldest winter he ever knew was a summer in San Francisco.

Teak is great if you are up for refinishing your table every June or letting it weather to a dull gray. I've also discovered chic, low maintenance alternatives for taking your savvy eye outdoors to the patio, deck or veranda.

 

The Poly-Wood South Beach 40" Dining Table from the Polywood Shop earns its name because of the tropical Miami shades available for finishes ($265), including lime green and lemon yellow which are totally unexpected in the garden. It is made of recycled plastic lumber and other materials and holds up brilliantly in the sun and fog.
 
I don't know about you but I'm a sucker for wicker and rattan, such as the Resort Dining Table ($700) in durable all-weather fiber from His Her Lifestyle. The square shape reminds me of classic McGuire Furniture pieces from the Seventies.

Picnic tables are ideal for kids and I adore the symmetry of 54" Hexagon Picnic Table ($1500) made from recycled plastic milk jugs at By the Yard. It's gorgeous in the weathered wood finish, but also comes in green, brown, white and other choices that might fit with what you already have.

Another fun picnic table is the Lenexa Recycled Plastic Picnic Table ($929 to $1,000) from Benches in five pretty shades. Both of these tables seat up to 8 diners and the dyeing process promises the finish will remain vibrant for years of wear.

A throwback to the wrought-iron patio sets of the Fifties, Martha Stewart's affordable outdoor line at K Mart includes the Everyday Garden Lafayette Dining Table ($112). It only has a one-year warranty, but the good news is that these tables age pretty well, the rust actually adding a timeworn appeal. Hence, the success of the Shabby Chic craze.

If you have your heart set on teak, the Maku Teak Dining Table ($1500) from in mod is an elegant choice with its ultra modern legs and detailed joinery. It's composed of sustainable plantation grown teak and is available in two sizes. Matching chairs are available for around $500 each.

Another teak design I love is the Southern Comfort 60" Dining Table (around $780) from Green Culture. It features a convenient lazy Susan for passing the watermelon and lemonade.

Happy table hunting!