Any ideas for an umbrella stand that won't blow over in the wind?

You can grab some 2x4s and make a tall rectangular box stand. Add some nice stenciling or painting to brighten it up.

What about any tall metal stand with a nice big rock or a collection of rocks in the bottom...would that hold up?

Take a 5 gallon bucket and bury it in the ground and fill with the pole and cement.

My girlfriend purchased a galvanized bin with lid at Walmart and she dumped in 20 or 30 pounds of the old style clay kitty liter in it. Painted it pretty and has on her front porch. Works like a charm for her and a bunch of neighbors copied her. The kitty litter absorbs the dampness and the bin itself is an art piece.

Thank you. Did she cut a hole in the lid for the pole?

Might there be a way to tether it to a post or something, stake in the ground near-by, in a way that's not noticeable?