Ask:
Ladies, I hope you can help me here.
We've lived in our house out in the country for just over 3 years now. Have this lovely plot of land with sun and the forest in the back, but absolutely no garden furniture. So DH and I never spend time outside. Such a waste!
The garden furniture I'd like is way out of my price range at the moment. Table, 4 chairs, umbrella and stand would be $500. There's a matching swing for $200. But Lowes also has another canopied swing for $100 that I like too. I could manage $100. The swing wouldn't do for eating outdoors but would be great for lazing around with a book on my own, or cuddling up to DH.
DH suggested that I wait until autumn and everything goes on sale before I buy anything. I don't mind that but I hate the thought of spending another summer indoors because there's nowhere to sit or have shelter from the sun (the trees are way at the back and really "jungly").
Do I get the $100 swing, full price? Wait another six months and see if I can buy at a discount?
I've checked Craigslist and haven't seen anything that I like, or that's even vaguely in the realm of what I'm looking for.
Answer:
I would maybe splurge on the swing and keep your eyes open for a good deal on the other furniture.
Answer:
I agree with Happymom, if you can afford the $100 swing then go for it and keep an eye out for a good deal after season on the rest of your furniture. It may be a want but I love to spend time outside in the summer so I understand where you are coming from.
Answer:
I would get the swing!!
I say that, but I am in the same situation. We have a huge backyard...and I have wanted a swing ever since we moved in ...this will be summer #2 with nothing outside...and everytime DH is going to Lowes...I say are you going to come back with my swing?? And I still don't have one....
Answer:
I'd wait.
I'm in the same state with patio furniture and we have lived here 8 years.
Make an overall plan for this acquisition. Visualize the layout and exactly what you want to do with the garden space. Purchase only what you need to complete that ideal. Where will you store these items during the winter? What will you do when you have guests?
Keep in mind, the more you spend on cheap stuff that you don't like, the less money you will have to purchase the nice stuff that you really desire.
My suggestion is to get a few items that are easily portable and store easily that you would use for camping or other outdoor events to which you'd travel. For instance, get a couple of nice folding camp chairs. You might also consider getting one of those folding canopies as a shade shelter. You could use that later for parties.
We have a hammock for lounging around and a hammock chair which is incredibly comfy. Both of these items are relatively inexpensive to obtain and easy to store.
Answer:
if you can swing the $100 bucks start watching the stores for sales they do run them often this time of year so you could potentialy get it for under $100...if you think you should wait until fall then get a couple folding chairs so at least you can be outdoors for now.