BACKYARD AT THE FOREFRONT

With summer around the corner, it's time to gear up for some serious barefoot fun.

Bold tableware, cushions and accessories are backyard-ready in an array of juicy citrus hues and patterns that evoke a cool urban feel or a crowd-at-the-cottage vibe.

Set a candy apple red table with artsy placemats, and dishes that look like they've been fashioned from Fourth of July fireworks. Flora- and fauna-patterned plates are folk-art inspired, while black-and-white graphics add designer drama to serveware.

Whether the party takes place on a lakeside porch or a sophisticated poolside terrace, there are vibrant linens to dress up the table. Umbrellas and lanterns invite revelers to linger, no matter how sunny or how late the day is.

Some examples:

Crate and Barrel red lantern ($24.95), flowerburst tablecloth ($19.95-$26.95) and Aegean paisley outdoor pillow ($24.95-$34.95), www.crateandbarrel.com

The Conran Shop shady lace green plastic umbrella ($550) www.conranusa.com

Pier 1 painted wood dining table and folding chair ($298), coral print outdoor cushion ($25), wire hanging lanterns ($20), hand-painted canvas umbrella ($50) www.pier1.com

MoMa store mosaic placemat by Liora Manne ($18) www.momastore.org

Home Infatuation outdoor wicker bench/coffee table ($479.95) www.home infatuation.com/

Angela Adams laminated silkscreened fabric trays ($10-65) www.angelaadams.com

Anthropologie dinnerware ($12-16) and spotty horn and resin servers set ($20) www.anthropologie.com

Z Gallerie papillon plates ($31.80 for four), giraffe napkins ($23.80 for four) and cha cha napkin rings ($23.80 for four) www.zgallerie.com

C.S. Post & Co. gingham and polka dot melamine plates ($3-5) www.cspost.com

Thomas Paul melamine folk dinner plates ($4-36) www.curiosityshoppeonline.com

French Bull wrought irony melamine plate ($10), bold stripe servers ($15 for two), mosaic melamine containers ($30 for three), www. givesimple.com