There are few things more satisfying than combining a design decision with a great deal!

Back in late March I excitedly shared our plans for a large outdoor entertaining area on our home's side porch along with the dining table we purchased on a trip out to Lucketts. 

I was beyond excited that we were able to find a table to meet our needs, especially since I expected we'd probably build one ourselves, which meant it probably wouldn't happen until 2017 at the earliest. But even though we had found our table I still had two items I was debating, and I asked for your opinions on our options.

First of all, I was trying to figure out what color I should possibly paint the legs of the table since they arrived in a flat black. And second, I was trying to decide on the style and color of dining chairs we'd purchase for seating.

After tons of wonderful comments, many with very differing opinions yet insightful justifications, I'm happy to report that we came to a final decision on both.

Painting the legs of the table was the easier of the two decisions. While the darker color certainly anchored the table, I felt like it stood out like a sore thumb on the light hued porch. In addition, the legs needed to be painted with an exterior grade paint no matter what. In order to help the table become part of the house, I opted to make the legs match the house color by painting it in the same color-matched shade of white. 

After a quick coat of an exterior primer and a few coats of paint, the table was already starting to look right at home on our porch. Like my plaid painting pajamas pants?

Now for the more difficult internal struggle of which style and color of chairs to purchase. As I often tend to do, I agonized and obsessed over this relatively minor yet personally significant decision. After going back and forth in the decision making process, I finally, yet very reluctantly, decided on a darker oil rubbed bronze-ish bistro style of chair. 

It certainly wasn't easy, but after much internal debate I made my decisions based on a few major factors. The darker chairs have the ability to hide dirt and dings, complement the outdoor light fixtures and other similar hardware we're installing throughout the house, and maintain a classic earthy look (we are outdoors after all). And while we were originally looking to purchase the chairs from Overstock, I noticed a disclaimer on the description of the chairs we were going to order that stated very clearly, "NOT FOR OUTDOOR USE."

While our chairs will ultimately be on our porch under cover or stored inside our house when not in use, I was still apprehensive given our proximity to the nearby brackish water and risk of corrosion. So I continued my search until I found similar style chairs for sale on BizChair.com. Totally random website, I know. But after an introductory signup coupon, free shipping, and the already rather low price, we were able to purchase all of the chairs for only $43 each. Best of all, these chairs were suitable for prolonged outdoor use!

After placing our order we hoped it wasn't too good to be true. Lucky for us, it all worked out perfectly. The chairs arrived only five days after we placed the order.

Three large boxes arrived and we excitedly unwrapped them to see what we thought. I have to say, the chairs were all expertly packaged and well protected, each wrapped in their own styrofoam padding to protect them during shipment. They all arrived without a scratch. 

In general the color and style is what I was going for, but I'm not completely in love with dry brush paint treatment. I would have preferred a more solid brown oil rubbed bronze finish, but given these were significantly less expensive than the solid colored options and are suitable to use outdoors, I'm going to keep them anyway and get over my objections. These are outdoor seats after all, and hopefully our guests and I will be more focused on great conversation, good wine, and delicious food. 

They're also lightweight and stackable, so moving them inside and out won't be too much of a hassle.

We don't have any plans to add cushions as these metal chairs are surprisingly comfortable. The base seems wide enough for most people and the backs are slightly curved so they don't jut into your lower back while seated.

Once we put all 10 of the chairs in place and I added a vase with some clippings from one of our flowering trees, I could see the side porch coming together for entertaining. 

I can't tell you how excited we are to have friends and family over to enjoy this picturesque setting. Whether we want to enjoy a lunch on a warm summer day, or an evening meal with drinks as the sun sets, this will be the perfect place. 

We'll be able to comfortably sit 10 at the table, which is incidentally the number of guests the house will be able to sleep once all of the bedrooms are set up. And with the other seating areas both inside and out, this will be a great outdoor bar and seating area if we ever have a large party. 

My mind is running a mile a minute while I try to plan what this space will be used for once we check off some of the tasks on our miles long to do list. But I can tell you one thing for sure, I can't wait until we get to really deck out this outdoor dining table for an elegant and relaxed dinner party. Who knows, maybe we'll even be able to dine on crabs caught fresh from the dock just a few feet away?

Note to self: must add "learn how to catch and prepare crabs" to our to do list.