We just purchased our first dining room set, although we are well past the usual age to do so. Here are some things we learned: Don't bother going to Nashua NH to check out all those great furniture stores-they've all moved out. Only Bernie and Phyl's, Jordan's and Bob's remain.  If you are looking for classic, New England style furniture, go to stores in northern  towns and Nashua. If you are looking for modern, metropolitan styles, go closer to Boston. If your salesperson badmouths the quality of another store, run the other way. Salespeople still work on commission only, so if you like the person who helps you and you purchase a different day, ask for the original salesperson and let it be known that he or she gets credit for the sale. This is obvious, but be sure to measure your room before heading out, and keep it with you at all times until you purchase something. If you want to match something in your room, you don't need to carry a pillow. Just take anything with that color, such as a crayon, a piece of thread, sometimes the cover of a children's book. Look through your very colorful belongings to find a perfect match. Have fun, don't fight with your spouse, and don't buy anything unless you both really love it!