The Clever Way To Elevate Your Outdoor Umbrella Combo Tables

Your patio umbrella table might serve its purpose well, but let's be honest — these types of furniture rarely stand out in terms of style. They pretty much all look the same. That's why some people dress theirs up with stylish placemats, vases, candles, and decorative bowls. Of course, not everyone has the budget (or the willpower) to do that. Imagine having to lug all your table décor outside and then carry everything back inside once you're done with alfresco dining. Not fun. That wouldn't be the case if you add a floral tray right in the middle of your umbrella table, though.

Hear us out. You don't need to remove it when it rains. It acts as a unique centerpiece without hogging up too much table space. And to top it off, you'll only need three items (for the most part) to recreate this DIY: a Bundt pan, your choice of flowers and plants, and potting soil. You can snag a pan for under $10, like this Novery 9.5-inch Buntz Cake Pan, or for less at thrift shops. Even better if you have an old cake pan lying around the house. All this to say, it's a great budget-friendly décor that adds the perfect finishing touch to a backyard patio.

The first and most crucial step is to make sure your umbrella pole actually fits through the pan's hole. For thicker poles, you might want to consider something like the GLOBE ROCKET Aluminum Ring Cake Pan, which has a 3.5-inch opening. Either way, you'll need to do some measuring to find the right fit.

From there, you have a couple of options to customize it for your needs, the first being drainage. You could poke a handful of drainage holes in the bottom of your Bundt pan, line it in place on the table, and let the umbrella through. Or, as an easier alternative, skip straight to the installation part and simply add a bottom layer of drainage materials to relieve your plants of excess moisture. These could be gravel, pebbles, or broken clay pots, to name a few. The next option? Personalize your flower tray first. Opt for vibrant colors (like turquoise or red) and fun patterns (like stripes and polka dots) if you want your cake pan-turned-planter to stand out more. Just note that even with an umbrella above it, it's best to use waterproof paint for longevity.

Once in place and the soil has been added, it's time to pot the blooms, succulents, and/or small plants. Luckily for you, there are so many different types of flowers that can grow in mini plant pots. If you can't make up your mind, take a cue from DIYer @tatertotsandjello in the video above and mix your favorites. We're partial to anything colorful, such as geraniums, pansies, and marigolds.