15 Things We Thought Were Fancy In The ’70s
Ah, the ’70s—a glorious whirlwind of disco balls, shag carpet, and confidence levels that were almost as high as our hair.
It was a decade where flashy equaled fancy, and if it sparkled, glowed, or came in avocado green, it was basically designer. As someone who lived through the era of lava lamps and pet rocks (yes, we paid money for a rock), I can confirm: our definition of elegance was… creative.
We truly believed that mirrored ceilings and foil wallpaper were the epitome of refined taste. And let’s not even start on fondue sets—because if you weren’t stabbing bread cubes into bubbling cheese at a party, were you even living?
So dust off your mood ring, fluff that feathered hair, and join me on a delightfully nostalgic (and slightly ridiculous) ride through 15 things we genuinely thought were the height of luxury in the ’70s. You might laugh, you might cringe—but you will remember.
1. Fondue Sets
Nothing screamed ‘we’re entertaining’ in the ’70s quite like a fondue set. A pot of bubbling cheese, surrounded by long, color-coded forks, was the ultimate in interactive dining. If you had one of these on your table, you were making a statement: you were modern, sophisticated, and ready for a cheesy good time.
Fondue parties were all the rage, with friends gathered around the table, skewering pieces of bread, fruits, and vegetables to dip in molten cheese. It was a fun and messy affair, where the fashion faux pas of your guests didn’t matter as much as their ability to keep the cheese on their forks.
Looking back, I wonder if we were all just in it for the melty goodness or simply appreciated the novelty of it all. Either way, fondue sets were a staple of ’70s culinary culture, and I still have fond(ue) memories of those gooey nights.
2. Avocado Green Appliances
If your kitchen had avocado green anything back in the ’70s—be it a fridge, stove, or blender—you were practically royalty. This shade of green was the ultimate symbol of modernity and good taste, making your kitchen the envy of the neighborhood.
Avocado green was more than just a color choice; it was a lifestyle. It represented a bold, chic aesthetic that said you were up-to-date with the latest trends. Looking back, our love for this color is enough to make current interior designers raise an eyebrow.
Despite its faded popularity today, I still find a certain charm in those avocado hues. It’s a reminder of a time when kitchens were places of lively conversation and colorful appliances, making them the vibrant heart of the home.
3. Shrimp Cocktail
Remember when shrimp cocktail was the height of sophistication? Served in a glass with that iconic zigzag edge, resting on a bed of shredded iceberg lettuce, this dish was the epitome of culinary elegance in the ’70s.
Attending parties where shrimp cocktail was on the menu felt like stepping into a world of luxury. It didn’t matter if the shrimp were tiny and the cocktail sauce too tangy; the presentation was everything. The glassware sparkled under the dining room lights, adding a touch of glamour to any meal.
Today, shrimp cocktail may seem quaint, but back then, it was a must-have at any dinner party worth its salt. I still smile at the memories of trying to balance the delicate shrimp with the zesty sauce without making a mess.
4. Waterbeds
Ah, the waterbed—a true status symbol of the ’70s. These wavy wonders were not just beds; they were a statement. If you had a waterbed, you were living the dream. Bonus points if it had a mirrored canopy overhead, reflecting your stylish sensibilities.
Waterbeds were the ultimate in comfort and seduction, swaying gently with each movement. They were a novelty that promised relaxation and perhaps a little adventure. It was like having a mini ocean right in your bedroom, minus the risk of seasickness.
Reflecting on it now, I marvel at how we were sold on the idea of sleeping on a bed filled with water. But then again, who wouldn’t want to feel like they were floating on a cloud, albeit a very wobbly one?
5. Salad Bars at Restaurants
Oh, the luxury of a ’70s salad bar! All-you-can-eat iceberg lettuce, carrot coins, and Thousand Island dressing were the pinnacle of dining elegance. It was a buffet of greenery that made us feel like we were living the high life.
Going to a restaurant with a salad bar was an event in itself. The idea of building your own salad masterpiece was both empowering and slightly overwhelming. The endless options of toppings and dressings made every visit a culinary adventure.
Looking back, it’s amusing to think how a simple salad bar could make us feel so fancy. Yet, it was an experience that brought joy and a sense of abundance, even if the lettuce was more iceberg than anything else.
6. Wall-to-Wall Carpet
Wall-to-wall carpeting was the ’70s answer to modern luxury, especially when it extended into the bathroom. Nothing said ‘we made it’ more than stepping onto plush carpet right next to your toilet.
The soft, shaggy texture added a touch of warmth and coziness to any room, making it feel homier. It was all about creating an inviting environment, regardless of the practicality, especially in moisture-prone areas.
Thinking back, I can’t help but chuckle at the idea of bathroom carpets. But in the ’70s, they were the height of plush sophistication, turning ordinary spaces into lavish retreats.
7. Sanka Coffee
Sanka Coffee was all the rage in the ’70s, bringing a taste of continental sophistication to our morning routines. Decaf and instant, yet served with a flourish in matching ceramic mugs, it was the drink of the discerning adult.
Every sip of Sanka felt like a journey to Europe, awakening taste buds without the jitters. It was the perfect beverage for those who wanted to enjoy coffee’s flavor without the caffeine buzz.
In retrospect, it’s fascinating how Sanka became synonymous with adulting. It was the coffee that said, ‘We’re all grown-ups now,’ even if it was just a decaf dream.
8. Crystal-Cut Ashtrays
Even non-smokers kept a crystal-cut ashtray out for guests in the ’70s. These sparkling pieces were more than just functional; they were a sign of sophistication and adulthood.
Displaying an ornate ashtray on your coffee table signaled your readiness to host parties and entertain with style. It was an elegant touch that complemented any room’s décor, whether or not anyone ever actually used it.
Today, they stand as a relic of a different era. Yet, there’s an undeniable nostalgia for the days when such small touches were considered the height of grown-up elegance.
9. Chilled Grape Juice in a Wine Glass
For the kids at ’70s dinner parties, chilled grape juice served in a wine glass was the ultimate treat. It was our little moment of elegance, making us feel like part of the adult world.
As we sipped our juice, imitating the grown-ups, we felt sophisticated, like young connoisseurs. The clink of our glasses added an air of refinement to our childish conversations.
Those memories of being ‘fancy’ with grape juice remind me of the simple joys of childhood. It was a time when something as ordinary as juice could make us feel extraordinary.
10. TV Trays with Matching Coasters
Who could forget the joy of eating dinner on TV trays while watching ‘The Love Boat’? In the ’70s, TV trays with matching coasters were a staple of casual dining. They were the ultimate blend of functionality and fun.
These portable tables allowed us to enjoy our meals without missing a moment of our favorite shows. The matching coasters kept our drinks secure, adding a touch of coordination to our relaxed evenings.
Reflecting on those TV tray dinners, I realize how they brought families together every night. They were a symbol of cozy simplicity, creating memories that are cherished even today.
11. Velvet Paintings
In the ’70s, velvet paintings were considered the pinnacle of artistic taste. Whether it was a matador, a sad clown, or Elvis, if it was on velvet, it was art.
The rich texture and vibrant colors of velvet added depth and intrigue to any painting. These masterpieces adorned walls with pride, turning ordinary homes into galleries of cultural sophistication.
Looking back, I chuckle at the thought of velvet art being the height of style. But during those days, they were treasured pieces that sparked joy and conversation among family and friends.
12. Electric Can Openers
Manual can openers were for peasants in the ’70s. The electric can opener was king, despite taking up half the counter space. It was the epitome of kitchen convenience and a must-have for the modern home.
With a simple press of a button, cans opened like magic, sparing fingers the laborious task. This gadget was more than just a tool; it was a modern marvel, a sign of technological advancement.
Reflecting on it, I realize how the electric can opener represented our embrace of innovation. It was a time when convenience trumped practicality, and we celebrated every beep and whirr.
13. Jell-O Molds with Suspicious Things Inside
Jell-O molds with suspicious things inside were the culinary surprise of the ’70s. Encasing shrimp, olives, or even hot dogs in a gelatin ring mold was the epitome of culinary creativity.
These wobbly wonders were both a feast for the eyes and a test for the palate. Each mold was a colorful centerpiece at parties, drawing both admiration and trepidation from guests.
Thinking back, I can’t help but smile at the audacity of those creations. They were whimsical and experimental, reminding us of a time when food was as much about fun as it was about flavor.
14. Decanters with Colorful Liquor
Even if no one drank it, decanters with colorful liquor made any home look like a cocktail lounge. These faceted bottles were the height of home décor sophistication in the ’70s.
The vibrant hues of the liquor added a pop of color to any room, sparking curiosity and conversation. They were more than just vessels for alcohol; they were a statement of style and class.
Nowadays, I look at those decanters with fondness. They were symbols of an era when display was everything, and a splash of color meant you truly ‘made it.’
15. Foil Wallpaper
Shiny, floral foil wallpaper was the ‘wow’ factor of ’70s home décor. It was blindingly beautiful in the right light, a daring choice that turned any room into a dazzling spectacle.
The reflective surfaces made spaces feel larger and more vibrant. It was décor that screamed ‘look at me,’ echoing confidence and boldness in every corner.
Reflecting on it, I appreciate the audacity of such design choices. Foil wallpaper was a celebration of individuality, adding sparkle and flair to everyday life.