Sometime last month, I was at Target to grab one thing (literally, ONE THING), when I noticed they were clearing out all of their outdoor furniture and accessories to make way for school supplies. Everything was discounted, majorly, including the picnic table that we’d been eyeing since forever.

Threshold Bryant Faux Wood Patio Picnic Table, Target, available online, $254

They only had the display model left, but it seemed to be in pretty good shape (plus, they offered me an extra discount to make up for it…) and Josh happened to be out running errands in the truck, so I snagged it.

The rug (Threshold Rectangular Patio Rug in Navy Chevron) was a last minute add-on that I grabbed on the way out. It was heavily discounted as well, so I think it was less than $20. It’s a little small for under the table, but it does the job of keeping the table in place and giving a soft spot for barefeet to rest. It’s an indoor/outdoor rug, so I’ll clean it up and move it inside when summer comes to an end.

What was originally a $300 table came to under $70, with tax. Um, I can’t even tell you how insanely excited we were. I think it was discounted at 60 percent off and I had an extra 10 percent off using my Target Cartwheel app (do you use it? it’s awesome.) and another 10 perfect off for the display model discount. I’m not sure that really adds up, but however we got there, it was a steal.

It seems small at first glance, but it’s the perfect size for our little deck (which we have plans to expand/turn into a larger patio/do something with in the future) and for our family to sit around for dinner, which we do as often as we can.

The kids love sitting out there to color or craft as well. It’s plastic, not wood, so it cleans up very nicely and lasts through summer storms without getting damaged. Josh and I also love that the benches are attached to the table. Our kids are squirmy and benches that tip over can be risky business.

(I’m dying to paint that door. And add a new light fixture. And paint stripes on the deck. Poor Josh.)

Looking forward to many, many more summer dinners at this table, at this house, with my sweet family. There’s something so peaceful about eating outside. The kids seem to eat more when we’re outside and we tend to linger longer afterward, or the kids leave the table to play in the grass while Josh and I catch up on the day…

… and pour another beer or two.