Though the directions say to place saucers underneath the tins, in the photo the tins are pictured sitting atop books, without saucers. Not practical, to say the least.

Better, IMO, to use the tins as cache-pots and simply put the pot (equipped w/drainage holes) inside the tin, atop a small dish or saucer which would also be hidden inside the tin. That would eliminate the need to poke holes in the tin for drainage and would give a more cohesive look while protecting any surface you placed them on.

Does anyone have a good source for old-fashioned coffee cans? For this purpose, but also for making Boston Brown Bread, now that all coffee comes in foil bags or plastics?

I like the look of this, but I've always been affraid to to it because I feel like the tin would cook plant's roots. Maybe for a short term planting?

I've done this, but only outside. The tin rusts eventually. It's okay.

Mirandabee has a better idea. But I'm not bowled over with having product placement as a decorating trend. Really old tins look cool, but I'm not punching holes in the bottom, and contemporary products aren't very interesting.

I actually love this. As a kid, not much, but now it brings back childhood memories of hanging out with my mom while she ran errands for a few elderly women she knew. They always had their plants in giant coffee cans. Sweet.

Sleek1 - I'm with you on that. As soon as I saw this post, I thought "my mom use to do that". :)

weird... I just did this last night. Any thoughts on how the rust of the can would eventually effect the plant?

Chock Full O Nuts & Maxwell House can still be purchased in a can.

that's a lovely idea...unfortunately I've tried this exactly in the same way a long time ago and it didn't work AT ALL :(

http://irene-out-there.blogspot.com/

This post is interesting, because I grew up in the Caribbean, where people do this all the time because they can't afford to buy actual planters. Who would have thought that it would be a 'cute' trend here in the US?

You do know, surely, that a coaster has no lip and thus water can run feely down its edges? And can you surely see that the peanut container is resting directly atop a book? And, surely, the item beneath the coffee can would be the largest coaster known to man -- looks more like a piece of (nonwaterproof) cardboard to me.

BTW, another great item to use as a cache-pot (preferably outdoors) is the large (5-liter) metal olive oil drum. These are seen frequently on the porches/walls/steps of homes in the Mediterranean countries, overflowing with bouganvillea, succulents, etc.

I use books as coasters all the time. I have also put my plants on them. I read my books. I don't think of them as priceless. Especially paperbacks....