Ms. Mushy and I spent a beautiful 70-degree day in East Tennessee shopping for new “patio” furniture. Well, in truth, it will go on our screened-porch, but they do not call furniture that, do they!
Anyway, she started out “loving” some little rickety set with fluffy pillows in a very light flowery color that was only $400.
Of course, being the logical and practical man that I am, I pointed out how unsafe and cheaply made it was, how the screws would fall out of it the first time it’s used by our well feed family, how it would rust the first damp day, and how the pollen and dust would stain and dull the colors this spring.
At another store, I pointed out the quality points of some “recycled plastic” Adirondack styled chairs and matching table with stainless steel hardware and screws. Of course, as soon as she saw the $1600 (sale) price for the 3-piece set, she moved on to some more spindly flowered stuff and sat down, coaxing me to “…sit down and try this – it’s comfy!”
“Okay, but this will never be unaffected by sun, rain, snow, even chlorine and saltwater year ‘round,” I said as I sat down.
She finally found one thing she was wanting in a wicker double lounger, with a 6” foam cushion, in which the two of us could get lost for hours! “It’s only $700,” she said with no exclamation point. My only comment on this, since I really liked it, was that it did not solve our family visitor seating and pieces for sunrise breakfasts for two in the spring.
I suppose, in the back of my mind I was trying to discourage any purchases. We already have pretty nice furniture, albeit it doesn’t match and has served us well for over 5 years.
However, since I could not just keep my mouth shut, I am now obligated to consider all the higher priced furniture, including more seating and the plastic and resin table set! She agreed saying, “You’re right, we don’t need to spend good money on cheap stuff!"
Me and my big mouth!
Pictures coming in the spring.
Anyway, she started out “loving” some little rickety set with fluffy pillows in a very light flowery color that was only $400.
Of course, being the logical and practical man that I am, I pointed out how unsafe and cheaply made it was, how the screws would fall out of it the first time it’s used by our well feed family, how it would rust the first damp day, and how the pollen and dust would stain and dull the colors this spring.
At another store, I pointed out the quality points of some “recycled plastic” Adirondack styled chairs and matching table with stainless steel hardware and screws. Of course, as soon as she saw the $1600 (sale) price for the 3-piece set, she moved on to some more spindly flowered stuff and sat down, coaxing me to “…sit down and try this – it’s comfy!”
“Okay, but this will never be unaffected by sun, rain, snow, even chlorine and saltwater year ‘round,” I said as I sat down.
She finally found one thing she was wanting in a wicker double lounger, with a 6” foam cushion, in which the two of us could get lost for hours! “It’s only $700,” she said with no exclamation point. My only comment on this, since I really liked it, was that it did not solve our family visitor seating and pieces for sunrise breakfasts for two in the spring.
I suppose, in the back of my mind I was trying to discourage any purchases. We already have pretty nice furniture, albeit it doesn’t match and has served us well for over 5 years.
However, since I could not just keep my mouth shut, I am now obligated to consider all the higher priced furniture, including more seating and the plastic and resin table set! She agreed saying, “You’re right, we don’t need to spend good money on cheap stuff!"
Me and my big mouth!
Pictures coming in the spring.
8 comments:
Your link talked me into the plastic stuff. You get what you pay for, they say. Of course, those $15 folding chairs that come in a bag from Wal Mart do the trick too. It's a quandary. I know, I haven't been helpful.
As the old saying goes, "Flies can't fly into closed mouths". Let that be a lesson so now be ready to cough up the $1600.00 before the sale ends.
Good luck my friend.
She's playing you like a violin. Go, Mrs. Mushy!
I think you should take Mrs. Mushy back to town and get the $1600 set before the price goes up! As you said, you get what you pay for,,,
So reverse psychology doesn't always work? $1,600 seems like quite a bit to spend on patio furniture, maybe it will last you for 15 years instead?
Whatever you decide, definitely go for the quality! I won't "park" in those plastic ones! And as for the ol' standby of woven strips---once again, no way! Too many "painful-memories" from those! I park my big can in wrought-iron, protected with Rustoleum. Been holdin' me up for the past 10 years, and no signs of extreme weathering!
Heck, our patio stuff is inside!
It was so nice of you to help Mrs. Mushy make those tough shopping choices!
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