Well, great minds must think alike, JackFrosty! I used the beverage carriers from Sonic-cardboard, similar to the old Coke cartons or the Corona ones you are talking about, painted them and put some scrapbook paper on them to fancy them up a little. I put napkins, fork, spoons, knives and whatever else needs to go out to the back porch for lunch or dinner in it. Works great-it was free and it's very sturdy, and I can replace it easily when it tears up!
I also have a couple of thermos bottles and a thermos carafe for taking coffee and hot chocolate out to the porch. We love to do this when it snows (if it ever DOES snow here again) and build a fire in the firepit and watch the kids play in the snow. Fun!!