Highly ornamented lace-trimmed half-aprons, either homemade or store-bought, were common engagement, housewarming, and holiday gifts during the 1950s. Cocktail aprons of this sort were worn while entertaining at home, both to protect one's dress and as a decorative accessory. This apron remained in the possession of Brooklyn resident Beatrice Jacobson until her death at age 82 in 2005. Never worn, the apron is representative of 1950s American fashion.