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!

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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!

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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.

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Setting up Camp!

Camping may be about being in the great outdoors, but Betty knows there is nothing wrong with bringing a few comforts from home. This summer head to the woods for some retro and rustic fun. Enamel or melmac plates are perfect for eating alfresco and nothing beats franks and beans over an open fire. You can even maintain Betty's sense of style with vintage inspired aprons, a must have for cooking outside. And, after the sun had gone down, use silver flashlights to set the mood while telling ghost stories and munching on s'mores. Could there be a better end to a camp day?

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The Summer Dress

The only thing Betty likes more than planning a summer menu is finding the perfect summer dress. Between backyard barbeques and getaways to the lake, Betty needs to stay cool and in style all through the summer heat. These bubbly dresses are perfection and look flawless paired with stilettos or a hat! So whatever your weekend plans, redefine what it means to be fashionably late and arrive in a dress that is vintage chic.


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The Picnic: Relaxed Entertaining

With the dog days of summer fast approaching, Betty likes to take her love of entertaining outdoors. What better way to enjoy the weather than laying in the cool shade of a tree eating yummy finger food. Before planning your picnic, check out our perfect retro outdoor accessories. And, after a mid-day nap, serve your guests classic picnic fair - chicken salad sandwiches, mixed melon and chocolate chip cookies! So this weekend forget about chores and spend a lazy afternoon on a blanket with your sweetheart.

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Sew Pretty!

Like mid-century housewives across the country, Betty often finds herself behind her Singer sewing machine. Many afternoons have been spent creating the perfect cocktail dress for an upcoming party or stitching charming pillows for her couch. Some of her friends have even been the lucky recipients of one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts!

But, if the thought of sewing leaves you in stitches, don't despair! With these modern fabric designs and stylish patterns your next retro handbag is just a few snips away. The next time someone asks how you came up with the idea for your lovely new curtains, don't lie, just embellish!

Clockwise from top left: Denyse Schmidt, Heather Bailey (2), Amy Butler, Sandi Henderson, Denyse Schmidt, Amy Butler, Anna Maria Horner (2)