Montgomery Ward

This is part six of a six-part feature, highlighting our six finalists in the “Ugliest Patio Furniture” contest. See all of our finalists and vote for your favorite!

Finalist #6

We asked finalist #6 about the patio furniture (shown at right) and here’s what we learned:

Q: Where did you get your patio furniture from and when?

A: We got our patio furniture with the house - the house belonged to my grandparents and they bought the patio furniture in 1970 when they built the house.

Q: What’s your favorite and least favorite thing about your patio furniture?

A: My least favorite thing is that they are mismatched colors, are very rusty and they could break very easily. My favorite thing is that they belonged to my grandparents and they are no longer with us, so there is a lot of sentimental attachment to the furniture.

Q: Do you have any stories or interesting facts you’d like to share about your patio furniture?

A. It’s funny to watch people when they go to sit down - they will look around for another place to sit first before they sit in these chairs!

Read more about each of our finalists and be sure to vote for your favorite!

Last chance: contest ends tomorrow!

Send us a photo of your ugly patio furniture for a chance to win up to $1,000 in new outdoor patio furniture and accessories from Montgomery Ward! View complete rules and entry details here.

Q: My 13 year-old daughter told me she wants a “wild” and “funky” room but I don’t want to spend time and money on something she’ll outgrow (or get sick of) in a year. Do you have any ideas of a compromise so we both can be happy?
-Beth L. (Lubbock, TX)

A: Our advice, Beth, is simple: keep the wild and funky elements to a minimum. Either stick to basics for bedding (ex: solid colors, ultrasuede one-color comforters, etc.) and opt for a few splashy and fun accent pieces or go all out with a wild bedding pattern and more simple, solid-colored accents.

Wild Accents: This roundabout chair is an example of accent furniture that can go either direction - it comes in a funky gray and orange print but also comes in solid and neutral colors. Some of our other funky favorites include a pink cheetah or black zebra print shoe chair, colorful wall decals and even their own bold circle rug.

Room Idea #1 - Basic Bedding, Funky Accents: Starting with the bedding, we would recommend something neutral like the soft-as-suede comforter set (even comes with bonus pillow!) or these solid-colored shaggy Gatsby comforter sets in hot pink, blue, orange or purple.

Now comes the fun part: have fun with accents like a wild print rug or a fun lamp like this retro table lamp. Even if she gets tired of her room in a year, all you need to change is a few accents (not the entire room).

 Room Idea #2 - Funky Bedding, Basic Accents: Starting with the bedding, throw all caution to the wind and let her choose her favorite patterned set: pink or purple animal print comforters, pink camo comforters or even a traditional black and white zebra animal print bedding set.

Depending on which comforter you choose, you’ll want to start picking out your basic accents. Remember: basic doesn’t have to be boring. You can pair a wild zebra animal print comforter with a bold red lips (smooch) chair. Pair your bedding with a coordinating sequined pillow, retro circle table lamp or even this fuzzy wiggle accent lamp.

Good luck with your project - be sure to send us photos and let us know how it turns out!

Do your friends and family tell you that you’ve got the ugliest patio furniture on the block? Enter Montgomery Ward’s Ugliest Patio Furniture Contest for a chance to win $1,000 in new patio furniture and accessories!

Send us your photo and enter to win! View full contest details here.

We always get excited about new products and wanted to share these new arrivals with you. Here are some of our favorites - be sure to check out the entire list of new products online at wards.com:

• double treat ice cream maker: this ice cream machine lets you make two different flavors at the same time. Just add ingredients, put in the freezer and enjoy in a few hours!
• retro bar accessories and appliances: like your martini shaken, not stirred? You’ll love this retro martini shaker (makes a great holiday or birthday gift)! We also love the look of this bright red retro ice maker. Since we’ve got retro appliances on the brain, we couldn’t help but add this nostalgia doughnut maker to the list.
• a smarter chip and dip tray: we think this one is pretty smart, since it can either keep cold dips cold or hot dips hot for long periods of time.
• perfectly pink girls storage collection: we love this collection, including underbed storage bag, over the door shoe organizer, hanging shoe organizer and hanging accessory shelves.
• custom sized (made to measure) roman shades: these 100% silk roman shades can be made to measure (up to 72″ in length) and are cordless for extra safety. Available in nine colors, they’re available in both inside and outside mount.

In honor of the official start of summer tomorrow (Friday, June 20), here are our top 10 essentials for the ultimate summer:

10. Frozen Drink Machines: Whether mixing up margaritas or fruity smoothies, we couldn’t imagine a better way to spend some time in the sun than with a cool beverage in hand.

9. Pool Toys: Inflatable chairs, bumper blasters with water guns, even inflatable ducky baby seats — what else do you need for a day at the pool?

8.  Sturdy Folding Sports Chairs: Summer means sports…and lots of it. Whether you’re watching kids’ soccer, coed softball or just relaxing at the lake, you’re going to want a comfortable chair. These folding chairs are lightweight, come with a bag for carrying and easily fit in the trunk of your car.

7. Patio Furniture: Enjoy dinners outside on the deck and get ready for summer BBQs and entertaining with a patio furniture set. A portable patio set is perfect for small spaces and the folding chairs also make it easy for indoor storage.

6. Ice Cream! Nothing compares to the taste of homemade vanilla ice cream in the summer. It doesn’t matter if you make it yourself or buy it, all that matters is that you get an extra scoop with sprinkles.

5. Keep Cool: Ceiling fans, outdoor fans, dehumidifiers - whatever works for you, be sure it’s working and on-hand when the hot days of summer creep in.

4. Curbside Lemonade Stand: OK, so this one only works if you’re a child (although we’d love to see photos of some grownups with a lemonade stand if you decide to try it out!).

3. An Evening Boat Ride: Whether you have a friend with a yacht (we wish!) or if you rent a row boat to go out and watch the sun set, be sure you enjoy a relaxing evening out on the lake at least once this summer.

2. Read! It doesn’t matter if it’s The Odyssey or the latest issue of People magazine - as long as you read something. Of course poolside or beach reading is our favorite, but even just taking a book out and reading on the front porch, balcony or deck is much more relaxing than an hour of re-runs on TV.

1. Relax in a Hammock: After a long day at work (or after a long day of yard work), relax in a hammock and you’ll feel like you just went on vacation. Close your eyes, listen to the sounds of summer and enjoy…

Do you have the ugliest patio furniture? Are your friends and family dropping hints that your outdoor furniture needs some help? Is the duct tape starting to come loose again?

You may be in luck - Montgomery Ward is sponsoring a contest to find the Ugliest Patio Furniture Contest in America. The winner will receive up to $1,000 in new patio furniture and accessories from wards.com!

It’s easy to enter - send a photo of your ugly patio furniture to blog@wards.com and be sure to include your name, address and phone number as well as any stories or interesting facts about your patio furniture!

All photos must be received no later than July 4, 2008. After July 4, we will select our finalists and open the contest up for voting. The ugly patio furniture with the most votes will be the winner!

Good luck - we can’t wait to see your photos!

Official Contest Rules

PRIZES

One (1) grand prize: one patio furniture set and accessories (up to $1,000 value) from Montgomery Ward. Three (3) second prizes: $100 Montgomery Ward Gift Card (Value: $100 each). 

DEADLINE

All photo entries must be received before July 4, 2008  at 11:59 p.m. CST to be eligible. Voting, to select winning entry, will be held between July 9-29, 2008.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN!

Void where prohibited or restricted. You may enter online by sending a photo of your ugly patio furniture online to blog@wards.com. Limit one entry per individual. No illegible, incomplete, forged or altered entries or computer automated entries permitted. Entries containing obscene, defamatory or inappropriate language will be disqualified. Montgomery Ward is not responsible for lost, late, misdirected, incomplete or illegible entries, technical or software malfunctions, lost or unavailable network connections, or failed, incorrect, inaccurate, incomplete or delayed electronic communications. Each entry will be deemed submitted by the record holder of the e-mail account from which the entry originated. All entries will become property of Montgomery Ward and will not be returned.

ELIGIBILITY

GIVEAWAY OPEN TO INDIVIDUAL LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE FORTY-EIGHT CONTINENTAL STATES OVER THE AGE OF 18. Montgomery Ward reserves the right to disqualify any person tampering with the entry process, the operation of the Web site, or otherwise in violation of the rules. Online entrants must participate by way of an Internet Service Provider or other method of Internet access and have a personal e-mail address. Employees (and their families and members of the same household) of Montgomery Ward, Direct Marketing Services, Inc (DMSI) and its respective affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising and promotional agencies are not eligible. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply. Void where prohibited and restricted by law.

DRAWING AND PRIZE FULFILLMENT

The grand prize winner will be determined by the photo receiving the most votes online. Second prize winners will be determined in a random drawing from all eligible entries received (the “Winner”). Drawing will be conducted by Montgomery Ward. The drawing is final and binding. The Prize is not transferable. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. The Winner will be notified by e-mail within three (3) days after the drawing, provided that the Winner is available at the e-mail address supplied by the Winner on the entry form. The Winner will be required to sign and return by regular mail an Affidavit of Eligibility and Publicity/Liability Release form within fourteen (14) days of notification. Failure to sign and return the affidavit and release within 14 days, or to comply with any terms or condition in these Official Rules, may result in disqualification and an alternate winner will be selected. 

PARTCIPATION AND ACCEPTANCE OF RULES

By participating, entrants agree to the official rules, accept decisions of Montgomery Ward and warrant that they are eligible to participate in the giveaway. By participating, entrants are also authorizing Montgomery Ward to use the submitted photo online for contest promotional purposes. Entrants who also opt in to receive e-mail marketing from Montgomery Ward agree to allow Montgomery Ward to periodically send notification of special offers and promotions via email. If you do not wish to continue receiving e-mails, you may opt-out at any time by following the instructions included in the e-mail.

LIABILITY

If, for any reason, the giveaway is not capable of running as planned, including infection by a computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized, intervention, fraud, technical failures, or any other causes beyond the control of Montgomery Ward which corrupt or affect the administration, security fairness, integrity, or proper conduct of this giveaway, Montgomery Ward management reserves the right at its sole discretion to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the giveaway.

All federal, state and local taxes associated with the acceptance of the prize are solely the responsibility of the winner.

No cash redemption, substitution or transfer of prizes allowed. This giveaway will be governed by the internal laws of the State of Illinois. Any and all legal actions or claims arising in connection with this giveaway must be brought in the State or Federal Courts in Chicago, Illinois.

By participating in the giveaway, each participant agrees to release and hold Montgomery Ward and its employees, officers, directors, shareholders, agents, representatives, its parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, advertising, promotion, and fulfillment agencies, and legal advisors, harmless from any and all losses, damages, rights, claims and actions of any kind in connection with the giveaway or resulting from acceptance, possession, or use of any prize.

Our buyers just told us about this cool new product - inflatable headboards!

Options include upholstered, faux leather and microsuede finishes but here’s our favorite part: the price is much lower than traditional headboards and they’re easy to assemble.

These durable headboards rest on the mattress and attach to the wall with easy-to-use (no tools required) Velcro wall tabs.

Did we mention no tools are required? Everything you need comes with the headboard: air cushion, electric pump and wall tabs. Check out these inflatable headboards and tell us what you think!

Congratulations to Tracy M., the winner in our High School Musical giveaway contest!

Tracy will receive a High School Musical quilt, full size sheet set and sham. Congrats, Tracy!

Also, we will feature Tracy’s decorating question later this week so stay tuned for her question and our designers’ answer. (We’ll give you a hint: the question relates to decorating a pre-teen girl’s bedroom!)

Q: I really like animal prints and would like to try decorating with a few styles but am worried that it will look too busy or weird. (Does anyone decorate with animal prints any more?) Do you have any advice on what I should and shouldn’t do?
–Cheryl G. (Cincinnati, OH)

A: When used in moderation, animal prints can help add some zing to a room. For example, in a room decorated with red and black or even black with pink accent colors, this zebra print chair adds some flair without going over-the-top.

Another way to add some zebra print to a room would be with a zebra print rug. I recently visited a home where their zebra print rug was the perfect touch to keep an otherwise traditionally-decorated library/study from looking too stuffy.

In the bedroom, another option is using animal print sheets with a solid colored comforter set.  

In a teen bedroom, don’t be afraid to go over the top with pink or purple animal print bedding and don’t stop there! Add a hot pink, zebra or cheetah print shoe chair to go with a zebra comforter set or to accent a pink leopard chair.

Have a decorating question? Send us your decorating dilemma!