As we say goodbye to the past year and look ahead to a fresh start, it’s a perfect time to get creative with how we use the spaces and tools around us. Whether you're entertaining friends or making the most of quiet winter weekends, your By the Yard utility pieces can do more than just hold plants. From serving drinks in style to building a backyard igloo, our durable outdoor planters and garden boxes are ready to work for you all year long.

1. Turn Planters Into Beverage Coolers for Winter Parties

Planning a New Year’s Eve party or hosting a cozy winter gathering? Use your By the Yard planters to keep drinks chilled outdoors. Our HDPE lumber is waterproof and weather-resistant, making it perfect for loading up with ice and storing cans, bottles, or bubbly. Try the Raised Garden Box or Elevated Planter Box for easy-access drink stations at just the right height. Hosting indoors? Use dry ice or a removable liner to prevent spills, as all planters come with drainage holes.

2. Create Stylish Snack and Favor Stations

Repurpose your 30” Tapered Planter Boxes into elegant serving tables or party favor stations. Add a sturdy tray on top to serve hors d’oeuvres or showcase noise makers, party hats, and take-home gifts. Built from easy-to-clean, stain-resistant HDPE, these pieces hold up to spills and messes without losing their charm. Plus, they’re attractive enough to skip the tablecloth and rental equipment.

3. Build an Igloo with the Kids (or for Yourself!)

Make the most of snowy days by using your 14” x 14” Planter Box to create snow bricks for a backyard igloo. The built-in drainage holes help release the snow easily from the mold. Building an igloo is a fun and engaging outdoor activity that’s great for families, and studies show spending time outside in winter boosts mental and physical health. Just add hot cocoa when you're done!

4. Why By the Yard Pieces Are Perfect for Year-Round Use

Our outdoor planters and utility pieces are made from recycled plastic, handcrafted into durable HDPE lumber that won’t crack, warp, or fade in tough winter weather. Whether you’re decorating, entertaining, or just finding new ways to enjoy your yard in the off-season, By the Yard’s sustainable outdoor furniture is built to be versatile, stylish, and long-lasting.

Make Every Season Functional and Fun

At By the Yard, we believe outdoor spaces should be enjoyed year-round. With dozens of sizes and colors to mix and match, our planters, garden boxes, and benches are designed to serve you in every season—whether they’re filled with flowers or full of party snacks. Explore the full collection at bytheyard.net, or call us at 877-220-0448 to speak with a team member who can help you find the right pieces for your space.