I decided to use a wine barrel which I picked up from a local winery for a reasonable price. We ended up getting a full barrel and cut it in half. This ended up being a huge project because we didn't have the right tools and then the barrel fell apart as we were cutting it. Took two days and five people to help put the barrels (2 - 1/2 barrels) back together but we got it done. One half is dedicated as a permanent Christmas Tree stand and the other half is going to be used as our coffee table on the deck. I was looking for something unique and this will do perfect!

Now I no longer have to worry about the dog and cat drinking the tree's water or always messing with fixing the skirt. Yeah!!!