Greetings!
I was struck this week by the fact that summer is about half over and it made me shudder. I’m Illinois born and raised – so no stranger to extremely weather – but I resolve to be mindful of every warm and sunny day without the shadow of the upcoming cold, snow and gray skies ruining my enjoyment!
Another trip to The Merchandise Mart for some amazing outdoor furniture certainly helps me with that commitment! It’s easy to imagine family and friends sitting outside talking and laughing in these super comfortable – and very attractive – pieces! And the best part? The quality is so excellent they’ll last for years and years!
Let’s take a look at some of the items donated this week (but know there are lots more wonderful pieces than just these photos):
high-end outdoor table and four chairs (though I think this set would be super fun INSIDE too) – priced $595
two piece sofa/chaise sectional priced $185 (good condition but some spot cleaning needed)
another two piece sofa/chaise – the micro-suede needs to be completely cleaned on this one – priced $145
this is an amazing brass and metal lighted curio cabinet – really shiny and pretty – priced only $55
there are four of these chairs – and I think they’re fabulous! – the seats need to be reupholstered and some minor touch up to the wood – but schazam! They’re amazing! Best part? All four for $40 (they’re on the covered patio)
more fantastic metal furniture from The Mart – these chairs are priced $75 each and we have one mustard yellow, one orange, one white, one brown and one black. They’re circled up to a round wood table which is only $15 (needs work)
gorgeous teak chairs priced $175 each (also from The Mart)
this beauty retails for $2,000 (teak with wonderful cushions – mint condition – from one of The Merchandise Mart showrooms) our price is $595
excellent condition Room & Board two piece sectional in a great heather gray fabric – priced $595 (retails for $2,498)
comfy chair and sofa – in a tan micro-suede – the material is worn and needs to be cleaned – chair is priced $45; matching sofa for $65
lovely sage green velvet sofa for $145
man-oh-man look at this gorgeous mid-century sofa with wood trim – in very good condition – priced $425
love this round pedestal coffee table priced $45
this is a great side chair – but you can see a stain just above the pillow in the first photo – otherwise looked really good to me – priced $55
I am completely in love with this retro cabinet – - I’m not sure what it was originally used for but you could add a rod and make it a wardrobe or remove the shelf at the top, add one toward the bottom and put your flat-screen TV in it or you could add more shelves and turn it into an amazing organizer (and it’s attractive enough that it could sit by your front door). The caning is broken in one spot on one of the panels (alas) – still it’s fantastic! Priced $165
this is a three piece (thus easy to move) pecan secretary which is gorgeous! Priced $225
and look at this lovely secretary! It’s only $85!
fantastic walnut desk with incredible art deco hardware – one of the non-supporting legs is off but the pieces are in a drawer – priced $125
for all you bench lovers out there (Tara!) this is the mother of all benches! French Provencal style, upholstery in fairly good condition (though I did see at least one button off) priced only $55! Measures 6’7” (that’s l-o-n-g!). You can see it fits perfectly at the end of a king-size bed (fyi)
Dear reader – I hope you enjoy this lovely, warm, sunshiny day with nary a thought about the possibly horrid winter we’re facing in just a few short months!! 
