Showcase Your Antique Shop with Attractive Storefronts and Window Displays

I have radar, I can spot an Antique Shop anywhere with or without fancy signs or cool store windows to clue me in that indeed an antique store is approaching. My husband, like plenty of other "Sunday drivers" isn't that tuned into "antiquing".
Even if there is a perfectly visible flag waving us in, my husband will claim he didn’t see “it”. “It” of course is another shop that I would want to stop at. But not everyone has built in radar like true collectors, nor a GPS system to tell them about fab shops to visit.
Photos -Michele's Vintage Antiques Poquonock Ave, Windsor, CT.

How Do You Present Your Shop?
So if you are the owner of an antique shop or mall, you might want to think more about how you present yourself so that you can easily attract customer and tag along spouses. What I have in mind is how to add pizazz to the outside of your building. This is what I would call "stopping power".

Placing Antiques and Collectibles on the Sidewalk
To begin with,...always put "stuff" outsdse your shop on the sidewalk! This is one of the best ways to call attention to your store.

Did you ever notice how “junk”[ looks so terrific from across the street? And what about homemade folksy signs that tug at your heartstrings and say “come in....this is your kinda place!”.

Next to eating a good piece of chocolate, antiquing is by far one of my favorite activities. I love to find adorable shops that are relatively new or hidden gems. I find that often these smaller antique shops take the time to fuss with the exterior of their buildings adding inviting or attention seeking colors, flower boxes, picket fences, cute signs, vintage garden collectibles and plenty of “sidewalk stuff”. Clothing sign from Old Carriage Antique Center - Litchfield, CT.

Using Creativity to Decorate Your Building Exterior
It really doesn’t take a big budget to transform the exterior of your building. All you really need is some creativity and some old supplies such as left over plywood for signs, plenty of nails, broken objects that can become interesting props etc. I have been both the “inviter" and the “invitee” when it comes to store window and shop entrances.

Viewing your Storefront From a Distance
What I have discovered about window displays and building exteriors is that what you see up close is not exactly what is seen from a distance. So if you want to call attention to your shop...think bright colors that will literally stop traffic. In the photos shown here, retro painted patio furniture is set outside Tickled Pink, a Cottage style shop in Seymour, Connecticut. By the way, Tickled Pink not only has great exterior displays but she also has some of the best interior displays you will ever see in a Vintage Cottage style shop.

When you are planning ideas for the outside of your store. It is very helpful to go across the street and look at your store from afar. This will help you figure out what is getting seen and what needs to be added or taken away. When cars are passing by, the driver has a split second to become aware of your store, so you will need to consider how your storefront looks from the road. Is it crystal clear that you are an antique store?

As they say in the decorating business...."does it pop"? This means, are objects coming forward, are they in full view or getting lost? So how can you make things “pop” or attract interest?

Colorful Funky Windows Grab Attention
If you really want to create a stir...try doing a sixties window. Whites, neon colors, lighting, funky stuff, backdrops, varied height work very well in windows and are very current right now. If psychedelic doesn’t appeal to you, try cottage colors (pastels) along with lots of white.
This is a great way to go when the weather is warm.
Clothing photos from Barbara's Barn, Antiques and Collectibles, 203-268-9805, in Seymour, CT.

Avoid Dark Furniture- Use Lots of Lighting
Be careful with dark furniture...it will appear dead and boring. That doesn’t mean that you can’t use Victorian furniture in your window...but add lots of lighting and colorful textiles. Vintage kitchen displays are always effective in windows.

Every Space Counts: Even the Exterior Walls
For the outside of your building add whimsical and colorful items to attract attention. An old chair pained in a bright color with a pot of flowers works well.
Consider adding shelves to the exterior of a building and adding interesting items that work well in all types of weather, Old tools and garden equipment look great mounted on the exterior wall of your building.

Signs are Critical
Signage is key. Make sure you have large easy to read signs that clearly tell visitors what your name is and when you are open. Always include the words “antiques and collectibles” on your signs. Cute names are great, but saying you are “The Dancing Frog” won’t necessarily help customers leap into your Antique Store.
Photo Courtesy of Michele's Vintage Antiques Poquonock Ave, Windsor, CT.

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.

Avery Soda: One of the Oldest Bottling Companies in New England

I have passed by an old red barn with an Avery’s Beverage sign mounted outside for over twenty five years and never thought that inside this barn was a soda factory.

I finally got a chance to see what was going on inside this old red barn on Corbin Avenue in New Britain, CT when my son accompanied me on an errand nearby and insisted we go inside. He claimed the barn was the actual soda manufacturing plant.

I insisted it must just be a local distributor of the product.

Guess what...my son was right. We entered the old barn which was erected in 1904 to find one of the few remaining New England bottling centers for Avery’s Soda.

According to the Avery website, “ Samuel F. Avery began making soda in the red barn on Corbin Avenue in the summer of 1904. Avery's quickly became known for its variety of flavors, especially the Cream, Birch Beer, Root Beer and Ginger Ale.
During the recent election Avery offered new flavors, "Barack O' Berry" and "John McCream" and ran a special straw poll with donations going to the League of Women Voters.
http://www.averysoda.com/about.html.

When we walked into the barn, there were old soda boxes stacked from floor to ceiling everywhere. The new owner was shutting down the equipment he now uses (circa 1950’s) and I was ruminating over which flavor soda to try. I grabbed a cold root beer soda, while my son investigated the deals you get when you buy a case of soda with re-cycled bottles.
After sampling the root beer, I passed the bottle to my son and I then began taking photos of this vintage soda plant while chatting with the owner. I learned that there are only four remaining Avery bottling centers left in Connecticut. Back in 1904, Mr. Avery used a horse pulled wagon to deliver soda to folks in and around New Britain, CT. Then in 1914, Samuel Avery bought his first delivery truck. Avery’s still delivers soda to your home on request and offers good ole customer service.

Avery Soda is one the oldest bottling companies in New England.


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.

International Deli of East Meadow New York: Old Fashioned German Style Deli Back in Vogue

East Meadow's Best Deli

How many old fashioned neighborhood German Style Deli's are still around where you can take home slices of freshly made oven roasted turkey or roast beef ?

Or select from a dozen different kinds of home-made salads and puddings made from scratch every morning by husband and wife chefs who know how to prepare old school recipes .
Check out the International Deli's party platters of assorted sandwiches, cheese platters, salads, desserts.

When was the last time you bumped into someone who told you they shopped at a "Mom and Pop" store instead of at the deli counter of a large supermarket?

The International Deli Of East Meadow Does Great Catering

And be sure to have The International Deli of East Meadow caterers do your next party or special event. They are great for doing home or office parties.

International Deli, East Meadow, Long Island

Well hold onto to your hats, there still are some great old deli's around. While on a" goose chase" for some neighborhood antique shops, I stumbled across a vintage deli instead. Modernized but still holding onto a taste of yesteryear, The International Delicatessen of East Meadow, N.Y. brought me back to my baby boomer beginnings when strolling into a small deli for sandwiches was the rule. This deli has been in the same spot since 1965 but now with new owners who are keeping the menu and staff exactly how it has always been.

It was quite a treat finding this eatery, located in a busy small local shopping center.

We just don't get New York style deli's in New England. Sure we have plenty of charming eateries ...but nothing that would compare to the "International Deli".

I was only in the deli a few minutes before I spotted home-made rice pudding.....so that is where I began my sampling. My dad who owned luncheonettes always made rice pudding and it great once again to find this home styled dessert still available.


There was so much packed into this deli, that my eyes kept wandering from one area to another. Of course I had to have a Coke in a glass bottle and then nibble on a Black and White cookie which I hadn't seen since my own school days.

Back in the 50's when I went to P.S. 26 in Fresh Meadows, New York, our deli was right
across the street from our school. I was a regular customer favoring a a bologna sandwich on a hard roll and a package of Wise potato chips. In those days there wasn't shelves and shelves of chips like you see today .....there was one single rack of Wise potato chips! The International Deli has every imaginable chip made.

The International Deli is a worth visiting. Try the hot roast beef with melted Mozzarella or Swiss cheese on toasted garlic bread. This sandwich is worth a trip from anywhere...trust me.

Also read: http://cdiannezweig.blogspot.com/2009/04/international-deli-of-east-meadow-new.html

International Delicatessen
483 Bellmore Avenue
East Meadow, New York
516-481-5535

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.

Vintage Vogart Pillows & Patterns Charm Collectors

Vogart pillows and patterns are very desirable, and these 30s and 40s collectibles create a big buzz in antique shops, at shows and on-line. The pillows have preprinted designs that are filled in with soft or pastel-colored dyes ready for homemakers to complete with hand stitches. Typically the pillows can be found with graphics of adorable puppies, cats and children with big endearing eyes and busy at play.

Vogart not only made pillow patterns, but it was also known for its popular embroidery patterns for kitchen towels, bibs, aprons and other home textiles. The familiar days of the week dish towels featuring little kitty cats or puppies engaged in household tasks such as ironing, laundry or washing dishes, were popular Vogart products.

Other Vogart patterns might include Mexican or Dutch motifs, nursery rhymes, or kitchen themes such as teapots.
In the 1930s The Vogart Needlecraft Company produced catalogs advertising Vogart Needlework Novelties. During the colorful era (1930s -1940s), Vogart patterns were dime store items sold at F.W. Woolworth Co. and later at other similar stores. Today these delightful pillows average $30-45. Unusual images sell for almost twice that and even more. Recently, I watched numerous bidders compete for a 1930s sailor theme pillow. I too jumped into the action, but the bids kept soaring and I eventually gave up.
It is always a bonus to find pillows with vintage trim such as fringes or pom poms. Expect to pay more for larger pillows or pillows with decorative trim.

When buying vintage textiles, the ideal situation is to be able to handle these goods up close in person. Whether you find Vogart items in brick and mortar shops or elsewhere, I would like to offer some practical advice to help you acquire these adorable pillows and patterns.

Pillows should be free of stains and generally intact, although I don't mind a little edge mending in an otherwise fine pillow. Be sure the color tints on the pillow are crisp and not faded. It is totally acceptable to buy just the pillow cover and to purchase a replacement pillow at your neighborhood sewing or department store.

While many people hunt for the finished product such as a pillow, bib, towel, etc., others are happy to buy just the patterns. It is worth noting that Vogart patterns are being reproduced and sold as "original" reprints of the old patterns.

Be careful.... unless you are looking for the pattern for home use only and do not care if the pattern is a true original, make sure you know what you are buying.

Vogart pillows look darling in room settings decorated in cottage or retro styles. They also are delightful in baby's nursery and children's rooms

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.

Kitchen Makeovers Using Vintage Tables and Chairs

It seems that everyone I talk to these days is focused on kitchen makeovers. Some folks have older kitchens that they want to preserve but “fresh-up” while others have newer kitchens that they want to keep but “warm up” with antiques and collectibles.

In either case, selecting vintage kitchen furnishings may solve your decorating blues without too much expense or hassle.

Using original vintage tables and chairs from earlier generations or transforming existing furniture is very popular today. There are many different styles you can choose from such as "cottage", "retro", "country" "Bohemian" and more.

Whether you fall in love with a quirky painted table, a re-purposed cottage style table, a Formica top retro table, a forties enamel top table or a distressed wooden farm table, all of these looks can bring warmth and creativity back into the kitchen.

Many home owners are discovering that buying "vintage" is paying off and can often be a terrific alternative to purchasing higher priced newer manufactured table and chairs.
So where can you find these wonderful relics of past generations? If you want painted cottage style tables, there are numerous antique dealers who have on-line stores that feature older tables which have been repainted in white or pastel cottage colors. In fact there is a "cottage industry "of cottage themed shops.

In my book "Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes" you will find many dealers who specialize in cottage style furniture. Also visit http://iantiqueonline.ning.com and check out the exciting "Vintage Cottage Group" you will find listed as well as many other resource groups on furnishings, retro and salvage you will discover at this new and exciting website community.


Farm tables will show up in the antique shops in "the country" and off the beaten path. Many of the dealers listed on my website links page are also fine sources for "country". http://www.cdiannezweig.com/pgs/links.html

Perhaps you already own a very functional kitchen table that you acquired a long time ago and now you are tired of it. Or suppose you inherited a family member's table years ago and now you wonder if it still "matches" your new kitchen. Wait, don't call your neighborhood thrift shop just yet..."shabby-tize it! "

In other words, change the character of your current kitchen table and chairs by changing the color, stain, fabric or even style. For example, brighten up a dark table and chairs by painting it white or another light color. Another idea is to consider keeping your original table but adding interesting vintage chairs. Mixing and matching periods is very "in" right now. Or make adjustments to the style of chairs by replacing the seat cushions or seat covers with updated fabrics. Even vintage chairs can look amazingly "modern" or "Urban Chic" with a funky geometric patterned fabric used on the seat cover.

If you have a large family and require a lot of seating than you may find that an oversized Farm table is just what your room needs. Add some old Country style benches with comfortable cushions to match your color scheme and you are on our way to warming up your kitchen.

Another great way to bring charm into today's "contemporary" kitchens is to accessorize your kitchen with a unique piece of vintage furniture such as an old Hoosier cabinet. which was used as a baking cupboard in the early 1900's

Photo Credits: http://www.pinkpigwestport.com/http://www.terrysenchantedcottage.com/
Farm table and chairs from the collection of Ed Friedman who designs and builds his own furniture from reclaimed wood.

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.

Six Degrees of Separation: Visiting Surburban Renewal an Antique Shop in Hastings- on- Hudson, New York

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This is a story about the theory of six degrees of separation the belief that everyone in the world is separated by everyone else by six links. Read my tale and see what you think.

So listen to this story. I am headed out the door one recent Saturday for a day trip to Westchester County, New York. Before leaving for the day, I am poking around on the internet to find some antique shops to visit.

I scan the list of several dozen shops covering many towns along the Hudson River and I settle on a shop called “ Suburban Renewal” in Hastings- on- Hudson. This shop sounds like my kind of place. Anyone who names an antique store “Suburban Renewal has to be cool in my book. I don’t remember ever visiting this area before.

The rest of the family is waiting for me in the kitchen and I am planning my antique road trip starting with a call to this one shop that caught my attention. The gal who answered the phone, the owner, “Fonda” was so nice and helpful promising me that she would send me to some of her favorite places nearby. She asked me to announce myself when I arrived to her shop. “Sounds like a plan “, I told her ...and the family was off to Hastings- on- Hudson.

Ninety minutes later I walk into “Suburban Renewal” and I am strolling towards the register to introduce myself to “Fonda” . I took one look at “Fonda” and gave out a scream.....”Fonda , is that you, Fonda from High School?” It was “Fonda”, with the same blunt Sassoon haircut she wore back in 1969, the same black eye liner and the same “Fonda” who had a very distinct lively and adorable handwriting with lots of curly letters and cute formations.

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You knew she was headed for a career in the arts.

After a busy life In advertising in New York City, Fonda now lives in Hastings on the Hudson and owns “Suburban Renewal”, an antique shop packed with goodies.



Surburban Renew is at 1 Main Street, Hastings-on-Hudson, New York (914) 478-9421

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.