What is the best way for a new investor to take advantage of the market?

I've been saving up for a large project. It'll take me another year to get what I need put away but I'd like to try to grow what I've already saved. I held off on investing it into stocks, and after seeing what's happened the past few days, I'm thankful for that.

Is now the time to buy? Or should I wait to see if things go down more. What would be the best strategy to see a worthwhile gain over the next year.