The Vintage Kitchenware Ina Garten Loves Showcasing In Her Kitchen

As a person who spends ample amounts of time in the kitchen, Ina Garten knows how to create a charming space. The best-selling cookbook author and long-running host of Food Network's "Barefoot Contessa," can't keep her hands off a good piece of pottery, which can be both decorative and useful in the kitchen. Look closely at some of her social media posts, and you'll find that Garten particularly loves showcasing her stoneware Beehive crock from Farmhouse Pottery. Although this is a new piece, you can find similar rustic kitchen décor items at thrift stores for a fraction of the price. 

Starting off as a crude mixture of straw and ash in ancient times, this handmade jug evolved to more durable varieties made from clay. Crocks were originally used for practical purposes like food storage, hunting, fishing, gardening, and farming. Some versions may come with a lid, but most are open-mouthed or missing it altogether. If your prefer vintage over contemporary crocks, you need to know how to authenticate your latest thrifting find through embellishments, color, and glaze before purchasing. 

At first glance, a crock looks like a ceramic vase or jug. But vintage stoneware crocks typically have an adornment that has imagery, marker symbols, or numbers. Some may even have an inscription to a loved one. On the bottom or pot handle of many pieces, you may also see the year it was made or the artist's name. If it is a vintage piece, these markings will be cobalt blue. Many crocks will also feature hand-painted images inspired by nature, like animals and flowers. Crocks can come in numerous colors, but vintage stoneware is typically either gray or brown.

Most vintage crocks were made through two different processes — salt glazing or lead based slipping. During the heating process, makers would toss in salt that usually left an iridescent glaze after polishing. Some manufacturers went the other route, using a lead based slip that integrated into the clay and left a glossier finish. Because of the lead content, these crocks are best used for decoration over food purposes. Since stoneware crocks like Ina Garten's are still being thrown today, you can get your piece appraised by a professional for authenticity.

Use your vintage stoneware crock in your kitchen as a storage tool or a decorative piece. Follow one of Ina Garten's top kitchen storage solutions by placing cooking utensils inside. This will keep them tidy, readily available, and add some beauty to the room. Before placing the supplies inside, remember to clean the crock with mild dish soap. You can also take Garten's lead and simply use them as a vase for flowers. If you're worried that your piece may have lead, you can skip holding utensils or real flowers and place a fake floral arrangement in there instead.

You don't have to store anything in this stoneware item; it looks great on its own. Style it numerous ways, including on a shelf with other vintage finds or as a whole stoneware set or collection. Get your creative juices flowing by constructing a centerpiece out of your crock and surround it with flowers and other items to elevate the space. And don't be afraid to take your farmhouse-style pottery out of the kitchen and into other rooms of your home. Just don't forget to regularly dust and clean it to ensure that it stays spick and span for years to come.