Some of the best finds at this fair, in my opinion were in the outdoor category.

And this outdoor table and chair by Ash Allen takes the cake, for me anyway.

Aptly called Sticks and Stone this outdoor stool and table is ideal for a back patio or garden setting and according to ash, was inspired by two elements from a Japanese rock garden – a naturally worn “skipping” stone, and the sharp, vertical stems of bamboo.

The first thing I asked Ash was whether it was suitable for outdoor, so I was delighted to know such a delicate and beautiful setting was not only able to withstand weather but strong in its construction.

“The lightweight, Tasmanian Oak dowel base is not only strong through its triangular structure, but is designed for flat-packing and simple, glue-free and tool-free assembly,” says Ash.

“The heavy cast “stone” seat incorporates recycled rubber crumb for texture and toughness.

“Its solidity, roughness and weight contrast with the light, crisp, airiness of the base. “A different aspect from every direction, this asymmetric piece has tension between the elements, creating maximum visual impact with minimal environmental footprint,” said Ash.

The seats are available in custom red, blue, grey and white colours, with or without rubber.

A matching bar stool and side table is also available on request. For my money it ticks all the boxes.

For further information contact Ash Allen on 0419 107 746 or email sales@ashallen.com.au

Visit the website to see more of Ash’s designs. www.ashallen.com.au

How’s this for clever. New from On the Outer are these nifty outdoor bench/table settings.

When the centre piece is collapsed, each bench has room for three.

When it’s required for two people and two glasses of wine to watch the sun set, the centre piece easily folds up to make a sturdy table. 

The simple but clever design is available in a number of looks and finishes (as above).

They are well priced and I’m thinking they’ll be a hit with retailers this summer.

There’s even a mini setting for little tackers.

For further information contact Jason on 0418 179 373 or at sales@ontheouter.com.au.

If you’re into chunky then you won’t go past this massive bench with has matching urns.

The teak driftwood setting is available from Bayside Furniture.

For further information contact George Arandjelovic on 03 5221 1011 or george@baysidefurniture.com.au

To see more of Bayside’s range visit www.baysidefurniture.com.au

The chairs above were another great find. They’re available in a great range of colours (black, blue, grey, green orange and white) look terrific and best of all are amazingly comfortable!

The Waikiki chair has an Akum tube powder coated frame but the magic about this chair is the Textirope PVC-PE seating.

It melds with the body so won’t leave your legs with stripes after a long sit over lunch and is extremely comfortable and long wearing.

Also attracting a lot of attention were the Tess Chairs above and the Lazer bar stools above left.

The Lazer is made using lazer cut steel (so they won’t be stolen in a hurry), with a powder coated column with gas lift and cushioned seat.

They are available in black and red.

For further information contact Darren Klein at the MSC Multi Seating Company on 0435 096 516 or darren@multiseating.com.au

You can see more of the company’s range on www.multiseating.com.au

Some very smart designs from Mamagreen this fair.

A good combination of timbers with sharp design features and sexy fabrics in tonal and vibrant stripes.

For further information, visit www.mamagreen.com.au

There wasn’t a wide range of outdoor pots at this fair but you can always rely on Kellock to provide enough in outdoor options to please most.

I particularly liked the water feature on the pedestal above.

For Further information contact Martin Kellock on 0 3 9701 8699 or martin@kellocktrading.com.au

You can see the full range on www.kellocktrading.com.au

Ok, so pass me a gin and tonic (dash of lime please) and a platter of cheese and bikkies and go away.

How’s this for comfort and style.

But wait there’s more ... Perhaps a mint julep and watercress sandwiches would be best suited to this comfy arrangement.

The design quite literally makes you relax as it hugs the natural shape.

A Sunday newspaper would be nice too. Could you pass me one?

Beautiful timbers combined with woven synthetic seating makes an excellent combination. For further information on Satara’s collections, click here.

To visit our next blog on Decorative Objects at the fair, click here.