It's the time of year when we Brits prepare to demonstrate our bravery, as we brace ourselves - no matter what the weather throws at us - to dine al fresco.

Ready to battle with the barbecue and wrestle unwieldy picnic tables, folding chairs and wobbly parasols?

You betcha - because nothing will deter us from enjoying that heady combination of good food and fresh air. Indeed, a recent survey by Karcher saw 80% of respondents state they'll persevere with plans for dining outdoors, regardless of showers or storms.

Nature, of course, may be beyond our control, but there's no excuse for a shabby table setting, as designers have transformed picnicware - once the poor relation of tableware - with stunning designs that make them suitable for use indoors and outdoors all year round.

So even if the skies let you down, at least make sure your setting is a feast for the eyes. We've grilled the foodie experts for their top tips...

FLORAL FEAST

Pretty floral patterns in soft shades conjure a country garden look, while bright blooms can evoke a sunny Mediterranean style.

"You can't beat an al fresco meal in a beautiful country garden. When my husband and I first started living together, I made a feast in our garden and got a violinist to come and play his favourite classical music. It was a pretty special date night," says Natasha Corrett, 33, creator of the Honestly Healthy foodie website, and author of Honestly Healthy In A Hurry.

"I keep food as simple as possible, with dishes such as Middle Eastern sweet potato salad, wild rice citrus and roasted radish salad, and beetroot burgers."

As for the settings: "I like a casual, informal look, with cutlery in kilner jars, so people can help themselves. My favourite tablecloth is white, with 'Healthy' hand-painted in huge green letters."

OUT OF THE BLUE

Blues are peaceful colours, conjuring sunny skies, glittering seas and lakes - which will raise cheer even if the weather isn't co-operating!

"Nature offers what the indoors can't - natural beauty. I love the combination of water and a lush green landscape, so being beside a lake, an ocean, a river or a pond is my perfect setting for a picnic meal," says New Zealand-born chef Peter Gordon, author of Savour: Salads For All Seasons.

"My most memorable al fresco meal was cooking and eating freshly-caught seafood and summer fruits on a boat jetty at beauty spot and wildlife haven Waterfall Bay, in Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand. Everything was perfect, from the weather to the food; I thought I'd died and gone to heaven.

"I favour a rustic look for a table, with a plain white linen tablecloth, candles even during the day, and definitely chairs with backs, even if they're canvas, because comfort is all."

HOT HOUSE TABLE

Turn up the temperature with a sultry setting, full of lush green foliage and tropical birds.

"I'm hooked on eating outdoors because it feels so liberating not to have four walls around you. My forthcoming wedding will be held in Puglia, Italy, followed by an outdoor banquet," says Shirin Kouros, who's co-authored, along with business partner Yasmine Larizadeh, The Good Life Eatery Cookbook. "We will be in the hilltops, surrounded by olive groves and looking out over the coast. I've already had a highly enjoyable tester session with family and friends, so I know it's going to be perfect.

"The menu will be just like our food - healthy, delicious and featuring dishes from our new book, inspired by a melting pot of cultures, from Mexican to Californian and Iranian.

"My table style is simple. I hate fuss, so sometimes I'll have just a table runner, otherwise a linen or cotton cloth, lots of fresh flowers in jugs, bowls of fruit, and pretty glassware."

Floral, exotic or serene, if you dress your table to suit your food, you'll be creating memories whatever the weather.