The warmer weather should boost your sexual energy and spontaneity, but, if your sex life has been on a downward spiral, it's time to get a grip and crank it up

Let's go outside

Going to bed at the same time is a start for many couples. Hey, it's summer and there's no excuse not to spend more pleasure and leisure time together. So grab your keys and go boating on that lake, take a walk or have a picnic in the park.

Spontaneous sex in the open is a turn-on, so find a secluded spot, start by resting his head on your lap, caress his scalp and shoulders and work your way towards massaging more than his ego.

Dress for it

Most men respond to visual cues and in the warm weather, it wouldn't look out of place to wear a cleavage-enhancing top and a pretty skirt with heels. The point is to look accessible. And for that, in the bedroom, invest in a sexy, sheer, peek-a-boo body with split cups and open crotch. Check out Tera Patrick's Rio range at www.lovehoney.co.uk.

Make chill a thrill

If the heat makes the thought of steamy sex too much, put on a fan. The cool breeze on sweaty skin, tickling the hairs on your bodies will make you both more receptive.

Fanless? Fire him up by letting droplets from an ice cube in your mouth trickle onto him, then, when it's all melted, slide your body up him and go for a hard kissing session with your chilled mouth. Or put water into a condom, tie the end and keep it in the freezer ready to stimulate the sensations and blast his and your hot spots.

Be a taste and smell sensation

While oysters may not be for you, fresh fruits like bananas, strawberries, mangoes and cherries are thought to be sweetly sensuous aphrodisiacs - and who says they just have to be eaten?

Chocolate boosts those feel-good endorphins, too. A guy watching a woman lick cream or honey off his penis will drive him wild. Start your long lick from the sensitive, underside of his testicles. Add some fragrance, too. Sex expert, Emily Dubberly says a vanilla-based scent is the biggest turn-on for men.

Share fantasies

Your fantasies don't just have to be in your mind. Make a list of five things you'd each like to do, then discuss which you'd both like to turn into reality first. For serious fun, get a box with an assortment of accessories from nipple tassels and feather ticklers to restraints from www.ohzone.co.uk.

Book into a hotel for an 'illicit' weekend, tell him to put the champagne on ice and pretend to be an escort. Knock on the door to offer more than room service. If money's tight, stay home but tell everyone you're going away.

While the holy grail for some, anal sex is becoming more common, a third of all strap-ons are bought by heterosexual couples to be used on the man. If you're unsure at the suggestion, say 'I will, if you will'.

And if the idea of a threesome turns you on, but you don't want to follow through, pretend and imagine what each of you would be doing. At least there won't be any awkward small talk afterwards.

Tweak your position

Most people have three favourite sexual positions, but slight adjustments could make all the difference. From the 'missionary', pop a cushion under your buttocks to help him penetrate deeper without you having to wave your legs in the air.

When you're on top, a scarf around your lower back that he holds the ends of will help him pull you down harder onto him. And if you use condoms or lubes, try the latest fruity, tingling, minted or warming versions for new sensations.

Looking for fun?

You need to get out there! A perfect hunting ground is the gym, with the type of clientele you'd like to mix with. Evening 'basket shopping' at the supermarket is another. Check out the hunk with ready meals and fresh food, which means his social life is balanced, but if you spy a packet of tampons, steer clear.

Dating websites are hit-and-miss; start a conversation with friends of friends through networking sites like My Space or Facebook. Going away? Head straight for the nearest pool bar and declare 'I'm really rubbish at this - please help.'

If you're going to get stuck in on the beach, make sure you're SPF'd - nothing worse than burnt nips! And take two towels to avoid unwanted exfoliation and the other to quickly cover your modesty.

If you find yourself in someone's tent at night do switch off the torch to prevent silhouette sex. Menage-a-one or not, the best new sex toy is the slimline, C-shaped We-Vibe which stimulates the clitoris and your G-spot simultaneously!