Just like how avocado toast is popular with millennials these days, Boomers too had their own trends (or their version of avocado toast!) These trends were loved and followed by an entire generation. A Reddit thread asked what these trends were, and boomers shared memories. These choices were once cool and shaped how boomers lived.
Featured Image Credit: AsierRomeroCarballo /Depositphotos.com.
Prawn Cocktails
Prawn cocktails were the height of elegance in the 70s. They were made with shrimp mixed with tangy Thousand Island dressing, served in fancy glass dishes. You could see it as an appetizer in parties, weddings and so on. Some boomers joked that their families spent so much on prawn cocktails they couldn’t afford big things like a second home.
Sun Tea and Peacock Chairs
Sun tea was made by letting tea bags steep in a clear jar of water left in the sun for hours. Making sun tea was like a small ritual on warm summer days. Boomers sip their tea, lounging in big, wicker peacock chairs – chairs with tall, rounded backs.
China Cabinets and Curio Cabinets
Many baby boomers had large cabinets in their homes that were used to showcase special items (expensive china, dishes that were handed down from previous generations, collectibles, etc.). The items were mostly for display purposes. Curio cabinets especially contained unique collectibles — dolls, music boxes or family relics. These were personal tastes and sometimes passed down by generations of family.
Avocado Kitchens
Kitchens in baby boomer homes were often bright and bold. The walls and appliances were painted in shades like avocado green, harvest gold or burnt orange. At the time, these shades were considered new and trendy. Refrigerators, stoves, and even countertops were all in these bright colors. It gave kitchens a lively and refreshing feel. You may love or hate these colors, but they certainly got stuck in your head.
Casseroles
Boomers loved casseroles. They were ridiculously simple and family friendly (it could feed a family without much effort). All you had to do was mix ingredients in a dish, and bake it – dinner was ready. There were many types of casseroles like tuna casserole and green bean casserole. These recipes were passed down through families.
Granola
Plain granola was a health food popular among boomers in the 1960s. This was before it converted into an on-the-go snack like granola bars. It was a staple in health food stores and was something some boomers remember eating during their college years. With its mix of oats, nuts, and dried fruits, it was a healthy and nourishing food.
Wine
Wine wasn’t as popular in the U.S. as it is today. Many baby boomers first tried it because it was cheap and gave them a quick buzz. But over time, it started to be seen as a more cultured drink. People began learning more about different types of wine and how to pair them with meals.
Julia Child Recipes
Julia Child introduced many boomers to a new form of cooking through her cookbooks and TV shows. Her recipes were more complex than the dishes boomers were used to. Her recipes included different ingredients and techniques that home cooks have never used before.
Tupperware Parties
Tupperware refers to durable containers designed to keep food fresh longer. Tupperware parties became social events where people could buy Tupperware while socializing with friends. Some Boomers can just recall how their parents were a little annoyed when the “good” Tupperware was being used for everyday snacks instead of special meals.
“Don’t Touch” Towels
Many Boomers remember when their parents put beautifully decorated towels in the bathroom and they were off limits for use. These towels did nearly nothing beyond sitting around in the bathroom. Both guests and family members were scolded if they unknowingly used them.
Source: Reddit.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.