How to Transform Old Flower Pots into Outdoor Coolers

We are currently in the heat of summer, and along with summer, there comes lots of barbecues. If you have a barbecue coming up within the next few months, why not give your outdoor d©cor a nice unique touch. Instead of using plain old coolers to store your drinks, and beverages you can get a little creative. If you have old flower pots lying around, you can use these to convert them into inexpensive coolers. Even if you don't have any lying around you can visit your local yard sale, and see if you can find any. An over sized pot will work best but smaller ones can work to hold a few cans.

To get started you will want to clean out your flower pots. You can use the outside hose to really rinse them out well. Next you will need to visit your local Wal-Mart start to pick up a few inexpensive tablecloths. You will probably also be able to find several table cloths at your local dollar store as well. Just make sure that the tablecloths are made out of plastic. Cut the tablecloths so that they fit the inside of the flower pot perfectly. You will basically be lining the pot with the table clothes. Secure the table cloth using extra strong tape around the edges.

Next you will want to start by putting a few cups of ice in the bottom of the flower pot. Basically you will want to completely cover the bottom of the flower pot with the ice. Then put a few drinks on the next layer. I have found it works best if you stand the drinks up on top of the bottom layer of ice. Then place ice in between each of the drinks and on top of them. You will be basically layering the ice along with the drinks until you reach the top. Put the flower pots in a shaded area and not in direct sunlight. The ice will slowly melt, and with the hole in the bottom of the flower pot it will easily drain out. Just make sure that you place the flower pot in a place where you won't have to worry about the water draining. Don't worry about the ice melting, since it will still keep the drinks cold enough during the course of your party. Spread several of the flower pots out around the yard, but remember to keep in the shade.