WHAT’S NEW FOR UNDER THE SUN : With summer near at hand, here are furnishings--for balcony, patio, deck or pool-side--that can add comfort and convenience to outdoor living

Emu’s stacking chairs (almost contemporary-outdoor classics) with diagonally striped cushions, above left, cafe-size table, and roll-around cart are Italian imports from Plummer’s. For sun worshipers, there’s a striped sand chair with matching beach tote and umbrella (and beach towel too!), all from The Broadway. Great-looking, yet practical tools for outdoor entertaining are plastic drink ware and accessories by Ingrid, and Heller’s bright new canteen, also from The Broadway. At right, an updated version of the porch swing is Mallin’s cushy Europa double-glider swing and matching high-back chair with spring-rocker base. Frames are made of oval-shaped extruded-aluminum tubing with a special powder-coated finish to help it withstand the elements. Striped plastic tumblers and coasters coordinate with the pastel-colored Textilene mesh cushions and matching umbrella. All are from Berk’s, Santa Monica. The adjustable chaises by Woodard, at left, do more than merely adjust the pitch of the backrest; the knee area adjusts for maximum lounging comfort. Super-soft cushioning makes summer lounging extra luxurious, and the brightly striped fabric becomes a striking focal point for patios and pool-sides. They’re at Anaheim Patio and Fireside, Anaheim and Huntington Beach. Summer dining alfresco is so much more fun when the furniture is as practical as it is good-looking. From France, there’s Allibert’s easy-to-clean molded plastic chairs with matching oval table, above, which comes with an extension leaf for use when the need for a larger table occurs. Optional cushions are available for the chairs, as are a chaise and side table. The table is set with striped place mats by Katja. Plates and bowls are by Heller, and the plastic drink ware is by Guzzini. The furniture and accessories come from Bullock’s. All plants and flowers are from The Tropics, Los Angeles. Fashions are from The Broadway. The artificial turf is from Standard Brands.