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What are the key trends in outdoor furniture for spring? Here is a rundown:

Super-size is in: Dining groups are designed for seating a crowd. Tables are often several feet long and can comfortably accommodate 12. Many dining chairs are wider with higher backs for additional comfort.

Chat groups: These low seating groups - higher than a cocktail table but lower than a dining table - also are referred to as chat or conversation groups. They're ideal for the casual lifestyle of the outdoors and are perfect for serving beverages and hors d'oeuvres, playing cards or just participating in a pleasant chat.

Alternative tabletops: Traditional glass is being replaced by such alternative materials as tumbled marble, mosaics, tile, stone, granite, slate and punched metal.

Elevated dining groups: These high seats and tables are designed so you can more easily enjoy the view over the rail of your deck or balcony. Also popular are elevated bars with barstools for casual entertaining.

Earth tones: Colors of nature are widely popular this year. Look for shades of brown such as khaki, bronze and rust on frames and covers. Also making a domestic fashion statement is black and silver. And black combined with teak looks especially sassy.

Source: American Furniture Manufacturers Association