French Crocks
For centuries, stoneware crocks have been used in France to store food and beverages. While they still serve the same purpose today, they have also become an antiquing favorite to use as decor in your home!
History
Before refrigeration was readily available, confit pots were used to preserve perishable food items like butter, pickled vegetables and salted meets. (Confit comes from the French word confire, which means to preserve.) Bottles and gargoulettes (water jugs) were used to store cider, beer, whiskey, olive oil, and even water. Different shapes and glazing methods were used for different purposes.
Did you know…
If you’ve ever wondered why some pots were only glazed on the top half, there’s a reason! Unglazed portions of pots and bottles were meant to be covered by earth in the cellar to keep the items inside them cool.
Buying Trips
Crocks are an item I always look for when antiquing in France. They come in an array of shapes and sizes – from small mustard jars to oil jugs that are half our size! The different colors come from the type of clay used, as well as the glazing. I just love the gorgeous salt glazes in neutral shades of grey, “greige” and cream. I always keep an eye out for those with hard-to-find shapes, unique patinas and markings from years of use.
Decorate with Crocks
Old French crocks add a rustic charm and Provençal look to any space, while telling a story from long ago. Here are a few tips on how to incorporate crocks in your home…
In the Kitchen
Use small crocks to hold utensils or fill them with fresh herbs and place them on your countertops. Bigger crocks can be used for rolling pins. I love to mix & match crocks on my kitchen countertops to add a practical yet decorative touch.
For Your Plants
Crocks make for wonderful cache pots and jardinières for your plants! Just drop in a topiary and place on a credenza. They can even be used as tree planters if you find one large enough!
Practical Tips:
☙ Since crocks don’t have drainage holes, we recommend taking your plant out of the pot to water and drain before placing it back in your crock.
☙ If the pot is too deep for your plant, you can reuse paper or plastic shopping bags to prop up the plant in your crock.
☙ Add moss on top of the dirt if necessary to hide the inside container — it can also help your plant retain moisture!
As a Floral Vessel
I wouldn’t be a true florist if I didn’t talk about flowers! I love to find unexpected containers for floral arrangements, and old French crocks are some of my favorites! The photos below are from a floral recipe called Célébration de Roses, or Rose Celebration, which I share on page 98 in my book, French Blooms. I love how the soft colors of the roses, arranged without foliage, are complemented by the red fruit and patina of the stoneware crock… simplicity at its best!
I hope you liked these decorating tips! For more ideas on how to decorate with antique and vintage finds, take a look in our blog posts below. And if you'd like to acquire some crocks, check out the newest arrivals from our French container.
As always, feel free to share your ideas with us!
xoxo,
Sandra and the Fleurettes