Celebrating a Victorian Christmas at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT

The phone rang and it was Bob (front desk manager) at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT telling me about the fabulous new Victorian Christmas display that was just set up in the lobby. I had already seen the antique sleigh that was installed previously, but I had not yet seen the larger than life size horse that arrived later. I guess this is what is meant by "putting the cart before the horse". Anyway, when I visited this huge antiques mall on Route 44 today, the Christmas vignette was all set up and a masterpiece.

Cindy and Doug, owners of The Collinsville Antique's Company get a kick out of finding larger than life props. It seems that for every holiday or special event, Doug and his crew are shlepping in gigantic statues, characters, animals, show personalities etc. So it was not really a surprise to see that a larger than life size horse was now pulling the antique sleigh.

Thankfully, Cindy and Doug decided to seat a lovely Victorian woman in the sleigh and not the mannequin of one of the Blues Brothers which they own. This fella is seated in the corner of the in-house "Cruisin Cafe" which serves some of the best homemade comfort food around.

Visitors who come to The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT will find aisles and aisles of booths showcasing jewelry, furniture, glassware, china, silver, vintage clothing, pottery, toys, textiles, decorating accessories, lighting, kitchen-wares, books, wall decor, ephemera and more

The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT is an awesome place to visit this time of the year for holiday gifts, home decor and good old fashioned fun. Doug encourages patrons to bring their families and to have a delightful time looking at all the unique animated and life size displays.

Saturday, December 13th, 2009, The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT will be offering FREE photos taken of Santa and children in an antique Victorian sleigh. Complimentary coffee and baked goods will be available for visitors and shoppers.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

Creative Crafting With Vintage Hankies

One cold snowy day last winter, I decided to iron my vintage hankies and try "packaging" them in some quality clear cellophane bags to sell then in my shop Kitsch n Stuff. My thought was that if I "gifted" these hankies they would be elevated from cotton perennial "Kleenex" to lovely vintage treasures that might attract some buyers.

My hunch paid off, just last week, I passed by the shelf that I carefully displayed them and noticed the entire inventory of my upgraded hankies was sold. I wondered who bought the entire lot. Was it a business person buying early holiday gifts for office staff? Perhaps the buyer a was school mom thinking about teacher gifts?

Or maybe, my packaging was not the trigger and the buyer just wanted the hankies for their collection or even for crafting.

Crafting With Hankies

Hankies you see are sought after for numerous retro sewing projects and display purposes. Creative crafters use hankies to sew into pillows, totes, tablecloths. sachets, potholders, bedspreads etc.

Hankies also can be framed under glass as wall decor, used as doilies, shelf liners or curtain toppers, displayed under a glass tabletop, delicately stuffed into a pretty glass vase or wine glass and so much more.

Tips About Buying Hankies

Look for hankies that have clean crisp images. There are plenty of hankies around, so there is no need to settle for
sad and "whimpy" ones. Novelty pattterns are always popular as well as florals with scalloped edges. Children's images as shown in the photos of these lovely totes made by Elizabeth Holcombe are attractive, colorful and whimsical.
While ordinary hankies may cost a few dollars, more interesting ones can fetch as much as $10.00-25.00. each.

Hankies were made with so many designs and images, that you can really have a grand time hunting for thee charming collectibles.

"Sew Cottage-y"

In my second book, Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes I devote an entire chapter to vintage sewing projects. The section is called "Sew Cottage-y" and features the work of many very talented gals who work with vintage hankies, feedsack material, vintage embellishments and buttons etc.

Visit:
These gals have photos in my book and above in this post.
http://www.elizabethholcombe.com/
http://www.primrosedesign.com/
http://www.arosewithoutathorn.com/


Also of Note
http://www.nanaluluslinensandhandkerchiefs.com/
http://www.marthastewart.com/good-things/handkerchief-valancehttp:
http://www.marthastewart.com/good-things/framed-handkerchiefs
http://www.ehow.com/how_5616708_collect-vintage-handkerchiefs.html

Photos courtesy of Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes (Collectorbooks.com)


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

Using Vintage Pails and Buckets to Display and Store "Stuff"

Using Porcelain Enamelware Pails for Storage

When I was collecting kitchenwares to go on the cover of my first book Hot Kitchen and Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s, I fell in love with the porcelain enamelware pail now a key element of the cover. I remember paying $45.00 for the pail and thinking that I just had to have it.

Truthfully, I also thought I was nuts to spend $45.00 on an a utility pail. But the money was well worth it as the cover turned out terrific.

Stuffing Goodies

In that pail, I was able to stuff lots of collectibles, creating a very inviting look. The pail not only only organized the goodies but gave the reader a unique idea about how they might use a pail in their home.
-->
Kitsch n Stuff

Now the pail resides in my shop Kitsch N Stuff at the Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford. I believe, this famous bucket is now "hosting" all my vintage kitchen gadgets and tools.

Double Purpose Your Collectibles

You see, when you are short on space in an antique mall or shop, you need to "double-purpose" everything you have to economize on your space. I have two lovely retro metal kitchen garbage pails hanging out in my garage because I simply do not have any additional floor space to display these wonderful kitchen garbage pails.

I thought about letting the pails hang out on the top shelf of one of my display cabinets or shelving units, but getting them down would be a pain.

Using Vintage Waste Paper Pails for Remnants

My friend Pam of www.vintagepastelle.com always comes up with uses for pails, buckets and large containers. She is the master of "stuffing" as you can see in the photos showing how rolls of wallpaper and gift wrap can be stored in an vintage waste paper pail.

We All Have Plenty of "Stuff"

I have a feeling that if you are reading this post, you too have a lot of "stuff". Collectors are well known for holding onto everything. Now at least you can keep your "stuff" in vintage pails and turn your piles and clutter into attractive functional "displays" .

Read More:

You will find lots of display and storage ideas in my second book, "Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes'

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

Decorating With Cottage Style Shelves

Cottage Look With Glass Shelf

One of the most exciting features of cottage style decorating is how clever one can be with odds and ends, flea market finds, found objects and so on.

Each time I think I have seen just about everything in the world of cottage collectibles and furnishings ....lo and behold a new twist to an older idea seems to surface.


Lot's Of Cottage Furnishings at Used Furniture of Canton, CT

For example, on a recent visit to "Used Furniture of Canton", CT, owners Mark aand Holly were displaying a newly acquired "shelf' made from an old bed headboard which had been re-painted Seafoam green. (See very top photo) .Now let's face it, most of us have already seen our share of shelves made out of this and that. But what was novel for me was that the shelf was "glass" and that this particular re-purposed decorative wall decor had been hanging in a huge bathroom.

Special Features of The Green Shelf

This lovely shelf has several unique things going for it:

Painted green instead of white or wood toned.
Used in a bathroom instead of hallway or livng room.
Utilizing a glass shelf instead of a wood one.

Other materials for Cottage Shelves

Other fun ways to build cottage style shelves is to use old doors, shutters, picket fence, stairway spindles etc. You can also add decorative trim from other salvage items. The red painted shutter shelf looks great in a beach themed cottage or in a child's room. Above is a photo of a shelf made from an old door. It serves as both a shelf and a hall tree for coats. It's wonderful to be able to re-cycle older materials and find practical uses for these items in your home.

You will find so much more about cottage decor and collectibles in my book Hot Cottage collectibles for Vintage Style Homes (collectorbooks.com


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:

. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

Guide to Cottage Style Furnishings

As the author of Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes (Collectorbooks.com), I am often asked to explain what are the characteristics of Cottage Style decorating. In my book, I have included an entire chapter called "Cottage Style Basics" which reviews the "nuts and bolts" of "cottage style decor".

When considering the principle of design whether referring to a painting or looking at a room's interior you will hear the term "design elements". These are the basic components of design which make up the whole picture. They include color, texture, pattern, scale, light and shape or form.

This article will concentrate on the type of furnishings that are considered "cottage" style. Fortunately, cottage chic furniture is very affordable and can be found in local shops, flea markets, second hand stores, auctions etc. The beauty of this type of furniture is that it is very "forgiving" and "broken in". While many shop owners and collectors take their time to re-finish vintage furniture,the cottage look tolerates dents, bumps, rust, scratches, tears, imperfections etc.

Elements Associated With Cottage Style

1. Painted furniture (all colors)

2. Chippy, flaky, peeling surfaces.

3. White or pink painted furniture for romantic looks.

4. Armoires and interesting cabinets, dressers, tables.

5. Incorporating lots of antiques and collectibles.

6. Slipcovers.

7. Overstuffed comfy chairs and sofas.

8. Ottomans.

9. Surfaces showing weathering.

10. Mixing different period and styles of furniture.

11. Distressed furniture.

12. Chips, scratches, dings ,imperfections are welcomed.

13. Cottage furniture such as farm tables, cupboards, cabinets.

14. Re-purposed furniture, i.e. using a Hoosier cabinet for a computer station.


Photos shown in this post are courtesy of
http://www.pinkpigwestport.com/ and
http://cottageatleesburg.com/shop

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

Types of Cottage Style Decorating

The charm of cottage collecting is that if you like variety this is a perfect way to keep you busy hunting. Trust me you will never get bored. You can collect miniature lighthouses for your “beachy” bathroom, scout about for a chippy frame to make into a mirror for your bedroom, or search for a colorful camp blanket for your rustic den. There is no limit to how much fun you can have accessorizing your home or building nifty cottage style collections.

What follows is a simple listing of the variety of Cottage Styles which are popular today with a brief summary of what collectibles are generally associated with each style. Throughout this book I will discuss in much more detail the elements and collectibles that characterize each distinctive style.

Beach Cottage: Plenty of pastels, whites and creams, nautical accessories, weathered flea market finds, shabby furniture, seascapes, tropical influences.

Rustic: Back to nature, dark stained furniture, re-claimed woods, cabin influences, wool textiles.

Country: Baskets, enamelware, open shelves and cupboards, quilts,
painted or pine furniture , floral arrangements, folk art, small print fabrics, ruffles, lots of exposed collections. Country can also be further narrowed to English, French, Southwest etc

Whimsical: One of a kind colorfully painted furniture, decorative kitsch, objet’s d art, funky collections, patterns, bright palettes. Mary Engelbreit touches.

Retro: Often found in beach cottages because the 1950’s were known for plastics and pastels. Mid-Century influences, collections of quirky ceramics, barkclkoth textiles, Paint by Number paintings, etc.

Shabby Chic: A mixture of floral fabrics, slip cover white or pink furnishings, pretty layered bedding, crystal chandeliers, chippy or rusted accessories, flea market finds. Think Rachel Ashwell here.

Victorian Country also known as Romantic Country: The feminine lighter side of Victorian mixed with classic country. Lots of florals, layered textiles, elegant touches, decorative plates, hand painted china, ornate, detailed accessories.

Visit:
http://cottageatleesburg.com/shop/
http://www.arosewithoutathorn.com/
http://www.vintagerosecollection.com/
http://www.pinkpigwestport.com/





Photo Courtesy of Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes

Read More

Be sure to read my book Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes for more ideas about Cottage Style Decorating.
C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

Retro-Redheads Featuring Vintage Style Linens, Housewares and Home Accessories

Introducing Retro-Redheads
An On-Line Store For Retro Collectors

Retro Redheads is a kitchen and home on-line store that sells both originals and reproduction textiles, glassware, housewares, pottery, cookware and more. Barbara and her daughter run Retro-Redheads and are well known among "the trade".

This afternoon I chatted with Barb about all the new items she was now carrying in her on-line store. Over the years she been ordering more and more "vintage style" linens and accessories and integrating them with her originals (she is a hunter-collector just like the rest of us).

Textiles that Look Like Originals

I wondered how her long established customers felt about her carrying "repros". She said she sells a lot of "vintage style" and her customers are buying more and more.

Companies That Sell Vintage Style Home Accessories

ModaHome
Bethany Lowe
Dolce Mia

Many of the kitchenwares and textiles she has in her inventory come from very fine design houses such as Moda Home (http://www.unitednotions.com/un_main.nsf/mf_new), Bethany Lowe designs (http://www.bethanylowe.com/) and Dolce Mia Designs (http://www.dolcemia.com/).

According to Barbara, the quality of the retro inspired lines she carries is excellent. She herself uses many of these textiles and decorative accessories in her own home and is delighted with the durability.

I have to admit, the tablecloths, towels and napkins look fabulous. It is really hard to tell these newly manufactured pieces from their 1940 and 1950 cousins.

Here is the link to Retro-Redheads: http://www.retro-redheads.com

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

Atomic Era Kitchen and Home Accessories Look Great With Black Painted Walls

Brown is out, black is in according to trendy designers everywhere.

Photo of dining room is courtesy of Benjamin Moore Paints. The wall is painted in black satin.

According to Nara Schoenberg of Tribune Newspapers "black walls are popping up in upscale shelter magazines, hipster design blogs and just about everywhere in between".

Black Painted Walls

"Black" which had always been considered a "Goth" color is now a "hot" color" Schoenberg reports in a recent article entitled "Paint It Black" . http://www.courant.com/features/home-garden/hc-tc-black-walls-1012-1018.artoct16,0,5491148.story
.

Getting that Metro Retro Look

Since I write about retro and vintage kitchen and home collectibles, I thought I would introduce to you some great metro retro kitchenwares and decorative home items that would look fabulous with a a black themed living and dining room.
I began my search my visiting some of my favorite "Mid-Century" and "Mod" inspired dealers of collectibles. Additionally I pulled out some examples of textiles and patterns that would look terrific l with black walls.

Mixing a Variety of Materials and Textures

When shopping for decorative objects for your home that work well with black walls and black furnishings vary the materials and textures. Focus in on metal, Chromes, Crystal, wrought iron, wire.

Adding Color

You can add some punch to your black inspired rooms by finding fabrics and wall decor which are colorful. Be on the look out for 1950s barkcloth textiles which will go great with your black themed decor. Vintage textiles can be used for accent pillows, wall hangings, drapes, tablecloths etc. Also consider buying some newly made textiles reproduced to resemble the original designs of the 1950s Atomic Era.

Geometrics and Abstracts For patterns, think Atomic Era designs such as abstracts and geometrics.




Dealers who Specialize in Mid-Century and Mod
http://www.modhaus.com/
http://www.dowahdiddy.com/
http://www.jennski.com/

Forums About Fifties Collectibles
Visit the http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/group/backtothefunkyfifitesretrocollectorsgroup

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

Anchor Hocking Fire King Coffee Mugs

Retro Coffee Mugs

Retro coffee mugs are fun and are easy to collect kitchen collectibles. There are hundredths of Anchor Hocking mugs available to choose from Common patterns such as the florals shown here can be found in thrift stores and flea markets for a few dollars.

Tips About Values

In my shop Kitsch N Stuff, which is part of a very large Antique Multi-Dealer Shop called The Collinsville Antiques Company, dealers are not allowed to sell items under $5.00. So many of us end up pricing these kitschy collectibles a little higher than they are really worth.

But when you visit your local Good Will store or Salvation Army, you will see shelves and shelves of these inexpensive mugs. Once you get them home and placed in your retro or vintage kitchen, they are delightful additions to your retro houseware. Colorful and practical, they look great displayed with a red checked shelf lining as shown in the photos.

Advertising mugs (banks, schools, motels) are also available and sell for a dollar or two.

Character mugs Are Priced Higher

Mugs that advertise National companies or chain restaurants may sell for a little bit more, but not too much more. Character mugs such as Snoopy or Ziggy are more collectible and can fetch $12.00-15.00.

The mugs shown above are 1960's stackable flower power mugs signed "Anchor Hocking Fire King Oven Proof 17 Made in the USA". Size 31/2 tall by 3" diameter across the top. They are from the collection of RetroRevival.etsy.com

For more information on Anchor Hocking coffee mugs, be sure to read Cathy and Gene Florence's 4th edition of Anchor Hocking's Fire-Ling & More Identification and Value Guide. (Collectorbooks.com) This is a must read for lovers of kitchen collectibles.


C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

Favorite Retro Cookbooks and Recipes In Time For Holiday Baking and Cooking

Favorite Retro Recipe Books

Thought you might like to read some of these Retro cookbooks this holiday season. Many of these titles have been published awhile ago, but are still available on Amazon.com. These books are fun finds for retro lovers and collectors.
I particularly enjoy the colorful graphics and vintage advertisements accompanying the recipes

Retro Pies
by Linda Everett
Review from Publisher's Weekly:
" Chock full of color-saturated vintage illustrations of cheerful women and lattice-topped pies, this book offers more to a collector of memorabilia than to a serious baker. Though the "pie crust clinic" does contain marginally helpful tips-like, "if the crust doesn't taste right: too much or not enough salt was used"-the book is short on technique and long on Americana. There are anecdotes about Abe Lincoln's favorite lemon pie and Martha Washington's cherry pie, but only four recipes for crusts. The book is separated into Main Dish Pies, Fruit Pies and Custard Pies, and includes an alphabetized list of each section (though it would have been helpful to index pies by ingredient rather than by ambiguous recipe titles like Peninsula Surprise Pie). The recipes themselves are from the good ol' days, and hence are heavy on fat and sugar; while most encourage use of fresh ingredients, New England Leftover Turkey Pie requires condensed soup, frozen peas and stuffing mix. Light on content, heavy on layout, this book offers little practical information that cannot be found in Betty Crocker, or any basic cookbook, the recipe for schintz being the only notable exception. That said, the pictures are delightful, and should make any baker feel nostalgia's sweet pangs."

Retro Baking
by Maureen Fischer
From Amazon Product Information:
"Everyone seems to think their grandma bakes the best biscuits on the block, but are they prizewinners? Ever wonder how to perfect that county fair, blue-ribbon apple pie? Wonder no more. The results are in—and RETRO BAKING is the winner! One hundred of America’s favorite baked goods are presented in their nostalgic glory, with vintage illustrations to match, in this latest Retro series book. Everything from tarts to dinner rolls has been selected for its universal deliciousness and award-winning appeal. Inspired by company sponsored contests and small-town bake-offs, these scrumptious recipes are tested, tasted, and time-honored. Your next attempt at three-layer frosted greatness is sure to turn out perfectly with the help of decades of baking experience. So dig out the apron, dust off the oven mitt, and discover your prizewinning potential!"

Retro Kids
By Richard PerryFrom Amazon Product Information:
"Go ahead, play with your food! Take your taste buds on a trip down memory lane—with or without your children—with RETRO KIDS COOKING: TIMELESS RECIPES FOR COOKS OF ALL AGES. Kids love food, and now they can share the fun of cooking with easy-to-prepare, kid-tested recipes from generations of parents and classic cookbooks. From pigs in a blanket to peanut butter finger foods to grilled cheese, it’s all about creativity in the kitchen. Fabulous vintage illustrations of kids in the kitchen and classic products combine with 100 recipes, tips, and ideas to bring out the chef in everyone—no matter what age. Mix one part dad, grandma, or big sis with one part little helper, and you have a delicious recipe for great food and great memories."

Retro Recipe Internet Resources

http://www.retro-housewife.com/recipes.php
http://retrorecipechallenge.blogspot.com/
http://www.retrofoodrecipes.com/
http://retro-food.com/http:
http://www.retrocookbook.com/

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

Hazel Atlas Candy Stripe Pattern Dishes Delight Kitchen Collectors

In the 1950's The Hazel Atlas Company released "Candy Stripe" dishes which were striped in brown, orange, red, turquoise or yellow on Platonite glass.

"Red" is The Most Popular Color

The most popular pattern is the red
striped variety. You will find the "Candy Stripe pattern on bowls, mugs, cups, plates, saucers, ice tubs, tumblers and pitchers. The pitchers can be decorated crystal or Platonite.

What is Platonite?

"In 1936, The Hazel Atlas glass company applied for and subsequently received a patent for a process of glass known as Platonite. This process consisted of an opaque glassware that would be treated with various finishes. Platonite is often confused with milkglass, an antique glass process.

As you can see in the photographs, the white glass was treated with a 'fired-on' color or decoration. Platonite was produced in the 1940s and 1950s. " http://www.hazelatlasglass.com/platonite.html

Values for "Candy Stripe " Pattern

Mugs and cups sell for $8.00, while the hard to find coordinating pitcher can fetch $95.00. Also hard to find are the 9" plates which can go for $25.00. Plates sizes are 7". 8" and 9".

Hazel Atlas "Candy Stripe" dishes make lovely breakfast sets for retro kitchen collectors.


Read More About Hazel Atlas Glass

The Hazel Atlas Glass Identification and Value Guide: Second Edition by Cathy and Gene Florence (Collectorbooks.com).

Photos shown courtesy of:
http://www.preservecottage.com/home.html
http://www.retro-redheads.com/

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

Flashback: Celebrating Thanksgiving Back in the Sixties

Flashback to Orange

I was thinking about getting ready for Thanksgiving when the color "orange" flashed into my head...the color of Mom's couch in our living room as kids. Today this same color orange along with greens, browns and pinks is featured in all the the trendy stores. The " mod metro" look is capturing the lines, styles, patterns and palettes of the sixties.

Growing Up in Fresh Meadows, New York

Back to my story. I grew up in Fresh Meadows, New York in a very small garden apartment in a complex called "Meadow Lark". Thanksgiving was probably the one day a year my dad took off from work, but not from cooking. You see my dad owned a luncheonette and was always in the kitchen. But on Thanksgiving, he was in our kitchen at home. My mom always wore smock style aprons and "assisted' my dad who was clearly in charge of Thanksgiving.

Late Fifites and Early Sixties Table Decor

As you look through these photos you will see the quintessential table decor of late fifties and early sixties homes. I am of course taking you through the home of nifty thrifty follks who served dinner on Melamine square plates, not bone china. Our centerpiece was a milkglass bowl with plastic fruit accompanied by lovely milkglass candle sticks .

We sat on "Bridge chairs" until my family finally bought a "Dinette set". This is the same table that we enjoyed our ritual Chinese take out on Sundays. Dad also did a lot of home crafts on this table. Notice the gravel picture of the parrot in the photo of my mom sitting on the couch?

He also made lots of mosaic tile bowls , candy dishes and trays. Yep....Thanksgiving was a big holiday in our home...... dad and mom pulled out all the good plastic on this day and used real napkins!

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link: C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

Carey Sanford Antiques in Litchfield, CT: Charming Multi-Dealer Shop

Antiquing in Litchfield CT

Litchfield Connecticut is one of the most beautiful areas in New England to visit. There are many antique shops along Route 202 which I enjoy returning to time and time again.

Carey Sanford Antiques: A Comfortable Shops to Poke Around In

While there are many high end shops in this area of Connecticut, I go out of my way to find stores that I can feel comfortable in.....shops you can just poke around.

Carey Sandford Antiques is that kind of shop. This multi-dealer shop has six rooms filled with antiques and collectibles from a variety of periods and styles. You will find fine country items mixed in with vintage toys, silver, jewelry, textiles, Mid Century decor, folk art, Deco and more. You will also discover a whimsical flair to this group shop.

A Shop With Lots of Nooks and Crannies

The moment you enter the entrance way to this shop, you will find one surprise after another. Each nook and cranny of this charming New England store is filled with delightful vintage and antique finds.

Carey Sanford Antiques 469 Bantam Road Route 202 860-567-4041

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

Visiting The Landmark Cafe: Formerly Marlow's A Popular Five and Dime in Downtown Manchester CT

Connecticut is a great place to find antique shops. The further you go away form New York City the better the prices are. East of Hartford is Manchester Ct where you will find several antique shops in what is referred to as the downtown area. My favorite stop is a multi dealer store called Silk City Antiques http://www.silkcityantiques.com/. I always come home with a box of kitchen collectibles.

Other lovely smaller shops to visit are The Country Loft Antiques (behind Silk City) at 43 Purnell Place. 860- 432-4955 http://www.countryfurnitureloft.com/home.html and The Curio Cabinet 845 Main Street. 860-533-1263

A few doors down form Silk City is a retro styled cafe called The Landmark Cafe decorated with tables and chairs from the 40's, 50s. 60s. and fun knick knacks. The luncheon menu is great.......their Waldorf chicken wrap is fabulous!
The Landmark Cafe has an interesting background. Here is more about this historic building courtesy of http://www.thelandmarkcafe.com/about_us.htm

The Marlow's Building

On August 1, 1894, the Orford Hotel opened on the east side of Main Street with fanfare and festivities. It added a new dimension to south Manchester with its two-story high amusement hall in the south end and a banquet hall with seating for 200 in the north end. Its architecture, a Romanesque Revival style, is still acclaimed as probably the most interesting on Main Street.Mr. Marlow

The building is now over 110 years old — 78 years of which it housed yet another irreplaceable Manchester landmark — Marlow's, until it closed in 2002.

George Marlow's parents opened the five-and-dime store in 1911, gave birth to George in 1914 and in 1924, moved the store to the location of the current Landmark Café. George began working in the store in 1925 at the age of 11. In 1938, the Marlow family purchased the building, despite the fear that the store wouldn't last six months. Through major renovation and expansion, the store became the downtown mainstay that carried 65,000 items including clothing, household goods, furniture, toys, luggage and vacuums. You could get your typewriter fixed and your shoes repaired; you could find replacement parts for obsolete coffee pots and paper rolls for ancient adding machines. You could talk to the personable proprietor about politics, shopping or WWII, in which he served as a Tank Commander.

Downtown Manchester misses George's store, his merchandise, his knowledgeable staff, and the generosity of George and his wife Lillian. Today, the Landmark Café is proud to be a part of Manchester's history by commemorating George and his legacy. The Landmark Café will make sure "Marlow's for everything" will not be forgotten.

This commemorative is courtesy of Susan Barlowe of the Manchester Historical Society, the Manchester Downtown Special Services District and Lillian Marlow. Photos courtesy of http://www.mhs1955.com/AnotherTimeManchester2.htm

Landmark Café

The Landmark Café, opened in October, 2005 and is a partnership between Dan and Joanne Albani. Joanne has been in the restaurant business for many years, and wanted to create her own restaurant — a special place where friends and family can meet and dine together in a warm, relaxed atmosphere. Her husband Dan, on the other hand, is a lieutenant in the Hartford Fire Department, and has developed a flair for managing the business side.

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.