Outdoor Pots: Adding drainage holes to a ceramic pot

I found this beautiful white ceramic pot at HomeGoods last week, but once I got it home, I realized that it didn't have any drainage holes in it. That is a big "no-no" for outdoor pots! I can't believe I didn't check in the store, but I was so excited with it I didn't think to check.  My next issue is a pet-peeve/personal one: I HATE to return things.  I'd rather donate it or share it or make it work, and in this case, I decided to do some research to make it work.

I though about drilling holes in the pot, but wondered what would happen if I tried to drill into ceramic.  Would it shatter? Crack?  

I did some research and found there is a special drill bit for drilling in this situation: It's a glass/ceramic drill bit.  I picked up mine from Lowe's, and it's a Kobalt brand bit.  It looks really different from any other bits I've used, so I was curious how it would work.

I also read a tip that to keep the bit from slipping on the ceramic when you first start to drill, place painter's tape on the spot and then start slowly. 

I did just that, and soon had my first hole in my pot!  It was very quick, even though I tried to drill very lightly and not put too much pressure into the bit.  But once I got going, I found that I could really push through and had no issues with cracking or breaking.

This size is the largest bit I could get, and one hole is not enough drainage for this size pot, so I added four more to get the job done.

And done it is!  I have a new pot by the front door and filled with shade annuals, coleus and some pink vinca.   Since the pot is not really meant for outdoors use, having it under the porch and out of the elements (rain, wind and baseballs) seemed to be a good idea. 

I'm loving the way my little container garden is growing!