Still hoping to get an answer on the issue of weighting them down so they don't topple over. (Mine won't be the kind on a pole.)

Use the glass tray from an old microwave. They can usually be found at Goodwill or other thrift stores. The glass can be covered by mulch so it doesn't show if you are putting them in your flower beds. Or find a large plate or platter in a color that coordinates.

Yes, I've seen the microwave plates at our local thrift store - just didn't think it would work. I bought a paver stone to use as the base and then realized that by the time I get done, this thing is going to be so heavy I'll barely be able to lift it, lol! I still think a couple of squirrels could tip it over though. Guess I'll just see what happens.

Some people used a large tall vase for bottom of totum & put it over a pipe that was secured in the ground. I think they covered the pipe with that pipefoam insulating things so it doesn't break the vase, Might want to space 2 pipes few inches apart with those insulating things, (kids like to hit each other with them, come in colors & about 5-6 ft long & different thicknesses have a slit up the side that you carefully pry poose & fit over the pipe so be sure pipe size & inside of the foam things match up. Depends on whether you are using lots of plates or more like bowl shapes on flat glass plates.

Sounds perfect!