Happy Holidays!

With Christmas around the corner Betty is busy trimming the tree, wrapping presents and, of course, baking! Her favorite holiday tradition is making a gingerbread house. But being the mid-century woman that she is Betty does not go for a traditional look. Each year she creates a new twist on a modern home and you can do the same! Find this cute kit at RedEnvelope.com or check out the architectural design below. Every December the firm Hometta comes up with a take on the gingerbread house based on a home they have actually built. You can find their instructions for this one at http://www.hometta.com/holiday-2010.

Happy Holidays!

Gift Wrapping Christmas

Betty knows it is the thought that counts and the thought will look a whole lot better wrapped in one of these retro- inspired papers. They will take any gift from drab to fab in a pinch! In fact, these prints are so pretty your friends and family will resist tearing into their gifts. Instead they will take a cue from grandmothers around the world, carefully opening their presents and then smoothing out the paper to save for another use.

From Top: Smock Paper (2), Hello! Lucky (2), The Paper Studio, Paper Mojo (2)

Merry Christmas!

Betty hopes you get everything you want for Christmas, but if not, mix up a few retro cocktails. After one of these drinks even socks from your great aunt Bertha will look a little sweeter. Perfect for the holidays, this festive Martini will make any party special and any woman happy!

Peppermint Martini

1 peppermint stick, crushed

1 1/2 ounces vodka

1 ounce peppermint schnapps

1 ounce Triple Sec

ice

1 small candy cake

Dip a moistened martini glass into crushed peppermint. Mix the vodka, schnapps, Triple Sec and ice in a retro cocktail shaker. Strain the mix into a vintage martini glass and garnish with the candy cane. Serve to friends or keep it for yourself.

Trimming the Tree

Established in 1937, Shiny Brite ornaments hung from millions of Christmas trees across the country throughout the 40's and 50's. Betty decorates her silver aluminum tree only with these American made, hand-painted glass balls. Since the company closed in 1962 all of their products are vintage and easy to find. Whether you have a real evergreen or prefer the artificial kind, give it mid-century style with these wonderful ornaments.

Clockwise from top left: www.finds.etsy.com, www.pinkgrapefruitstyle.etsy.com, www.beautifulliving.etsy.com, www.CollectorsHaven.etsy.com

Wish List

As a mid century woman, Betty knows how important it is to find the perfect holiday gift. So check out her Christmas wish list to help you find something for the retro women in your life. Whether shopping for your mother, sister, or best friend who wouldn't want one of Betty's picks? And, if you are not sure if you are on Santa's naughty or nice list, buy yourself one of these holiday gifts!

Clockwise from top left: www.RedEyeVintage.etsy.com, www.BettysKitschen.etsy.com, www.everyeskimo.etsy.com, www.posiesforlulu.etsy.com, www.TheFancyLamb.etsy.com, www.JennyHopscotch.etsy.com, www.TheCottageCheese.etsy.com

Holiday Baking with Style

Betty begins her holiday baking the first weekend in December. Just because she spends her days in the kitchen doesn't mean she shouldn't look good. With these aprons Betty can keep her clothes nice and her holidays filled with sugar and spice. Speaking of spice, every Christmas Betty makes savory gingerbread. Check out her recipe below!

Clockwise from top left: www.LookBackVintage.etsy.com, www.VintagefromVermont.etsy.com, www.5gardenias.etsy.com, www.vintagedame.etsy.com

Better Homes and Gardens: Pies and Cakes 1966

Gingerbread

Gradually add 1/2 cup sugar to 1/2 cup shortening, creaming till light. Add 1 egg and 1/2 cup light molasses; beat thoroughly. Sift together 1 1/2 cup sifted all-purpose flour, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 3/4 teaspoon soda, 1/2 teaspoon ginger and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Add to creamed mixture alternately with 1/2 cup boiling water, beating after each addition. Bake in well-greased 8x8x2 inch pan in moderate oven (350 degrees) 35-40 minutes or till done. Serve warm with Citrus Fluff.

Citrus Fluff

In small saucepan, beat 1 egg; add 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon grated orange peel, 1 teaspoon grated lemon peel, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Cook and stir over low heat till thick, about 5 minutes. Cool thoroughly. Fold in 1 cup whipping cream, whipped. Chill. Spoon onto squares of warm gingerbread. Garnish with a twist of orange. Makes about 2 cups topping.