Clever Repurposing of "Gently Used" Household Things

Colander as Ice Bucket

Make ice cubes last longer at your next cocktail party: Put them in a colander set into a bowl. As they melt, the water will drain through the holes instead of sitting and turning the ice to slush.

Ice Cream Scoop as Sand-Castle Tool

An ice cream scoop deposits perfect domes for a Taj Mahal (or a yurt).

Book Cover as a Tourist Disguise (even stateside)

A travel guide screams "I’m lost!" but cloaking it in pretty paper or the jacket of a book in the native language will let you blend in with the locals. You'll be more likely to be asked for directions than taken for a ride. Sidebar:  I learned the hard way that many residen of NYC HATE to be asked for directions!

Bucket as Side Table

For more serving space (without begging and borrowing from the neighbors) top a bucket with a tray for an instant side table for your lawn chairs. Your guests will have more spots to rest their cocktails.

Aya Brackett

Bundt Pan as Corn Holder

Cut corn from the cob without the mess. Place an ear in the center of a Bundt pan. As you slide the knife down, the corn will fall right into the pan.

Yunhee Kim

Citrus Peels as Bowls

Serve sorbet in a memorable way. After juicing (or eating) grapefruit, orange, lemon, or lime halves, scoop out and freeze the peels. Cut a small slice off the bottom to create a level surface (without creating a hole), then fill with ice cream.

Aya Brackett

Citrus Peel as Firestarter

Kick-start a fire with citrus peels. Leave orange or lemon peels on the counter for several days to dry out. Then use the pretty pieces as kindling in your fire pit or bonfire for a fragrant flame starter.

Beatriz Da Costa

Croquet Wickets as Hose Stakes

Make an arched pathway from the waterspout to the flower bed, then feed the hose through the wickets. Now the hose can’t migrate and crush your impatiens.

Egg Slicer as Strawberry Dicer

Give this classic tool a permanent spot on your kitchen counter and―presto!―you'll have perfect slivers of your favorite summer foods.

 

David Prince

Beach Towel as Shower Curtain

Make a summery shower curtain by hanging two boldly patterned towels using clip-on drapery rings.

Cupcake Liner as Ice Cream Bowl

Serve ice cream at parties without the drips. Freeze individual scoops in liners the night before.

Ice Cube Tray as Sunburn Soother

Freeze cubes of aloe vera for instant sunburn relief when you forget the SPF.

Monica Buck

Shower Curtain as Picnic Blanket Liner

Do dew diligence and layer a liner underneath a picnic blanket to avoid soggy bottoms and grass or mud stains.

Sunscreen as Shaving Lotion

While a bottle of expired sunscreen will no longer protect you from UV rays, it can still protect you from razor burn. Use it when lubing up to keep legs smooth all year long.

Hose as Bucket Grip

For a handle you can comfortably handle: Snip off a section of an old garden hose, make a slit down its length, and put it over a skinny bucket wire.

Baby Oil as Tar Remover

Bare feet left with a bit of tar after a long day on the beach? Lift it off with a dose of baby oil.

Basket as Summer Carryall

When you’re ready to hit the beach, just throw everything in a large handled basket and take off. Or, for backyard barbecues, line it with a plastic garbage bag, then fill it with ice and beverages.

Ice Cream Cones as Cupcake Holders

Bake your cupcakes directly in the ice cream cones. Fill 24 flat-bottom cones two-thirds full with cake batter. Place the cones in a high-sided 9-by-13-inch baking pan and bake in two batches at 325° F for 30 minutes. Let cool, then frost with two 16-ounce cans of frosting. You can have your cake and eat its holder, too.

Kazoo as Bubble Machine

Blow your little one’s mind with this two-in-one toy. Just dip the big end into soapy water and huff and puff away for a sudsy symphony.

Cocktail Shaker as Iced Coffee Maker

Upgrade your ice coffee by preparing it in a martini shaker. Fill it with coffe, ice, millk, sugar and flavoring and shake for a frothy, evenly blended caffeine fix.

Mini Cooler as a Side Dish Warmer

Use a small cooler to fake a perfectly timed meal if side dishes (like corn on the cob) are ready before the main course. Simply store the early sides in the insulated case to retain their warmth.

Mitten as Sunglasses Protector

Save your shades from scratches by slipping them into a spare mitten before stashing them in your purse or glove compartment.

Play-Doh as Sparkler Holder

Prevent burned fingers by planting a sparkler’s stem in a  tub of Play-Doh before lighting it.

Rubber Band as Glass Gripper

For more OJ in your child’s belly (and less on the kitchen floor) use rubber bands to provide some grip around a chilly glass so it doesn’t slip through a child’s small hands.

Sand as Candle Holders

Prevent a half-melted candle from sticking to its glass holder by filling the bottom with a layer of sand.

Drink Carrier as Condiment Kit

Cart condiments to a backyard barbecue. Slot flatware, ketchup and mustard in the compartments for easy transport.

Tea Bag as Bug Bite Soother

A smart way to soothe itchy mosquito bites: Place a cold, used tea bag on the sting and let it sit for five minutes. Tea will help ease sunburn, too: Brew a pot and pour it into a bath of lukewarm water. Soak until you feel relief.

Toothbrush as Corn Cleaner

Use a clean toothbrush to remove stray threads of silk from freshly shucked ears of corn. The bristles will lift them away quickly and efficiently.

Toothbrush Holder as Vase

Display individual blooms (peonies and ranunculus work well) in each hole and fill with water for a foolproof, evenly spaced arrangement.

Cupcake Liner as Drip Catcher

Before serving that Popsicle, slip the stick through a foil liner to catch drips and keep hands from getting sticky.

Frisbee® as Paper Plate Holder

Don't lose your dogs! At your next barbecue, place flimsy paper plates in sturdy plastic Frisbees® so guests can better balance their meals.

Ice Cube Tray as Sundae Bar

Set up a self-serve sundae bar and let guests dish out cherries, sprinkles, crushed nuts, and other dessert toppings to their liking.

Oven Mitt as BBQ Utensil Holder

Slide all the utensils you'll need into an oven mitt and use the fabric loop to hang it on your grill. No more burned steaks because you forgot the meat thermometer inside.

Ice Cube Tray as Paint Palette

Mix watercolors in the tray’s compartments. (There’s actually one for every color of the rainbow.)

Source: realsimple.com

Toothpaste as Goggle Defogger

Prevent goggles from fogging. Before hitting the pool, smear some paste onto the lenses, then wipe off.