Cocktails of the South Pacific

The first tiki bar, Don the Beachcomber, was established in 1934. The idea became a mid-century phenomenon after soldiers returning from World War II shared stories of the South Pacific. Seeping into the American consciousness through books, music, and plays, the exotic culture was a hit!

Betty knows that with a few Polynesian tumblers, a floral dress, and a lot of rum even you can transform your dull den into a tiki getaway. Serve Mai Tai and Zombie cocktails and your guests will swear they are on an island in the South Pacific. Snacks served out of monkey pod wood dishes accompanied by bright linens will only add to the allure. So make your great escape without ever leaving your home!

Clockwise from top left: www.VintageEric.etsy.com, www.vintology.etsy.com, www.johnnyvintage.etsy.com, www.TimelessVixenVintage.etsy.com, www.BettysKitschen.etsy.com (2), www.stargirljoolz.etsy.com, www.FastEddiesRetroRags.etsy.com, www.randomretro.etsy.com

Easy Living with Russel Wright

Betty knows that life isn’t always easy, but it can be. As mid-century design focused on function and form, Russel Wright took these ideas further. He was the first designer to create inexpensive and mass-produced lines of dinnerware, furniture, textiles, and appliances, in turn bringing modernism to the average American. But Wright's ideas went beyond clean lines and innovative design, he wanted to revolutionize the home. In 1950, Wright and his wife Mary co-wrote the best selling book “Guide to Easy Living,” in which they reject formality and suggest informal living, redefining Betty’s views on entertaining and maintaining a home.

If you really want to step back in time, you can visit Russel Wright's house, Manitoga, in Garrison, New York. Be sure to buy your tickets ahead!

Clockwise from top left: www.moderntoretro.etsy.com, www.karapegg.etsy.com, www.thecaravancollection.etsy.com, www.VioletCrownEmporium.etsy.com

Beach Babe

Fun in the sun is an essential part of summer and these retro suits and accessories are must haves. Betty knows that with a mid-century bathing suit every woman can be a beach babe. Perfect for real women, they accentuate curves and hide flaws, not that we think you have any. So grab your beach bag, sunglasses, and transistor radio and head for the shore. Oh, and don't forget a good book. Betty suggests Peyton Place.

Published in 1956, Peyton Place remained on the New York Times bestseller list for 59 weeks! Filled with the sordid secrets of the residents of a small New England town, the book created quite a scandal. Which is why Betty knows it is the perfect summer read.

Clockwise from top left: www.stephaniegeisler.etsy.com, www.thelostfound.etsy.com, www.KitschNCollectibles.etsy.com, www.RedLipsVintage.etsy.com, www.badgirlvintage.etsy.com, www.carmenandginger.etsy.com, www.hsnow.etsy.com, and www.sistertreasure.etsy.com