A Mid-Century Patio

From Top: Plainair, Sears, CB2

When you think of 1950's and 60's living one thing that is sure to come to mind is the patio. No mid-century housewife would own a house without one and Betty is no exception. All spring and summer she does most of her entertaining outside and takes much pride in her outdoor decor. This year transform your veranda, terrace or garden with Betty's favorite vintage and modern picks for exterior decorating!

Clockwise from top left: thevintagesupplyco, anitascasa, thevintagesupplyco, PosyVintage, bluebonnetfields, BettysKitschen, AtomicMartini, lotusjrk

Rustic Arrangements

Photos: Jose Villa

Vintage tins make wonderfully retro centerpieces for outdoor entertaining. Betty fills hers with wildflowers she picks with her daughter. Whether yours are filled with flora from the garden or market, spice up any drab table with these old-fashioned canisters. They are easy to find and a great way to add a little nostalgia to any dinner party.

Clockwise from top left: www.Birdie1.etsy.com, www.MissMossy.etsy.com, www.OctaviaBrown.etsy.com, www.SarahAnntiques.etsy.com, www.VintageInsanity.etsy.com, www.funretro.etsy.com, www.Elstreasures.etsy.com, www.ModishVintage.etsy.com

May Flowers

All winter Betty waits for spring so that she can get back into her garden. Even though her backyard is in full bloom, she makes sure her colorful planters are filled and placed stratigically around the patio and house. Fresh cuttings in a lovely ceramic vase also make a thoughtful hostess gift when Betty visits her friends. So this year make sure your May flowers are displayed in mid-century style!

Clockwise from top left: www.kissavintagedesign.etsy.com,

www.bellalulu.etsy.com, www.flabbyrabbit.etsy.com, www.lacklusterco.etsy.com, www.thespacegarage.etsy.com, www.solsticehome.etsy.com, www.MyHanaleiHome.etsy.com, www.vintagefix.etsy.com, www.sweetrice.etsy.com

In Season

By March Betty is ready for spring. The days are getting longer, the weather is warmer, but, most importantly, it is avocado season! After a dull winter Betty can finally indulge in her favorite fruit. And this year she doesn't even have to head to her local supermarket before making her famous guacamole. With a little help from "The Avocado Pit Grower's Indoor How-to Book" Betty has grown her very own tree! Filled with modern two tone illustrations and simple instructions, this book is beautifully designed and easy to follow. Tonight Betty is making a crabmeat salad served on avocado halfs for dinner. What are you having?

Find this book and lots of other retro items at Betty's Kitschen.

www.bettyskitschen.etsy.com

Betty Crocker's New Dinner for Two Cook Book, 1964

Guacamole

Combine 1 avocado, pitted; 1 small onion, minced; 1 1/2 tsp. vinegar; salt and pepper to taste; and chopped green chili pepper to taste. Beat until smooth on medium mixer speed. Finely chop 1/2 peeled ripe tomato; fold into mixture. Serve Guacamole as a dip with corn chips.

Crabmeat Salad

1/2 cup flaked cooked crabmeat

1/2 tsp. lemon juice

1/2 tsp. finely minced onion

salt and paprika to taste

1/2 cup diced celery

1/2 cup lettuce hearts in small pieces

1 tbsp. mayonnaise

2 avocado halves

Mix all ingredients except mayonnaise and avocado. Chill thoroughly. Just before serving, drain and toss together with mayonnaise to moisten. Server on avocado half. 2 servings.