5 easy ways to upcycle terracotta pots

Who wants to make their guests dig into an ugly plastic cooler? Not us! That’s why we’ll be upcycling a large planter into a stylish ice bucket this summer. Big enough for a couple of bottles of rosé—as well as a few six packs—this clever DIY will take your patio party to the next level.

Two large planters serve as the base for the simple and modern bench. It’s a great way to add seating to a compact patio or deck, and can be easily personalized by switching out ferns for flowers or herbs.

Another inexpensive DIY is to invert a planter and tray to create a simple table. You can store gardening tools or a light blanket in the base, and paint it to match your colour scheme. Perfect for a front porch or backyard retreat.

Create a shady spot wherever you go with this portable umbrella base. Just flip a large pot upside down, paint it to match your umbrella, and—voilà—you’ll avoid gouging holes in your lawn when you want a shady spot to read.

This mobile barbecue is great for a picnic, a day at the beach, or even just for those cottagers who have a barbecue on the fritz. All you need is a terracotta pot, some metal mesh, tinfoil, and charcoal, and you’ll be good to grill. Check out this video for the full DIY.