After what has been a way-too-long hiatus, Season 5 of AMC's "Mad Men" isn't slated to premiere until March of next year. That can make for some serious Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce withdrawal. But help is on the way!
Check out these 10 tips to get you through "Mad Men" withdrawal:
1.Watch Other TV Shows and Movies about Advertising Agencies
There's a bevy of retro TV shows and movies that feature ad agencies. Everything from Tom Hanks' early sitcom fare --the preposterous "Bosom Buddies"-- to shows like "Bewitched," "Who's The Boss" and "Melrose Place." On the movie front, fire up some Jiffy Pop and queue up "Kramer vs. Kramer," "Mr. Mom" and the Mel Gibson flick, "What Women Want."
2. Dress the Part
No, you don't have to look like you're going to a costume party! In August, Banana Republic will launch their "Mad Men" clothing line, 65 classy, retro-inspired pieces that won't make you look out of style.
3. Bring Back Cocktail Hour
Make like Don Draper and mix up the rye old fashioneds and the gin martinis. Don't know the difference between a Bloody Mary and a White Russian? AMC has a cocktail guide to help you out.
4. Buy "Mad Men" Products
We're not suggesting you buy a pack of Lucky Strikes if you're not a smoker. But just for fun, why not see how many "Mad Men" advertising products you can add to your shopping list? Bacardi rum, Utz potato chips, Ponds cold cream, Popsicles...the possibilities are endless.
5. Cook a 1960s-Inspired Meal
Why not dig out mom's old Betty Crocker cookbooks and whip up some hamburger stroganoff or, for a more formal meal, Beef Wellington or a Don Draper fave, Chicken Kiev? Follow it with the classic 1960s dessert, Baked Alaska.
6. Make a "Mad Men" Music Playlist
Need some dinner music to go with that Kiev? Why not dine to music from the "Mad Men" soundtrack? Or if you want something a little more rockin', by Season 4 "Mad Men" featured songs like The Rolling Stones' "I Can't Get No Satisfaction" and Sonny and Cher's "I Got You Babe."
7. Play "Mad Men" Games
While we're still waiting (or not) for a "Mad Men" board or video game, the show's website features online games such as "Cocktail Culture" and an Ultimate Fan Quiz. You can even make yourself into a "Mad Men" avatar.
8. Read Retro Books
Who needs Oprah's Book Club? The "Mad Men" characters can provide you with all the book club picks you need. Don, Betty and the gang have read everything from Rona Jaffe's "The Best of Everything" to Leon Uris's "Exodus."Check out more"Mad Men" book suggestions here.
9. Check out the Cast's Pre-"Mad Men" Work
It's time to start YouTubing for some old clips of the "Mad Men" stars! Jon Hamm has guest starred on TV shows like "Charmed" and "C.S.I. Miami," while January Jones has appeared in films like "American Wedding" and "Love, Actually." John Slattery-- aka Roger Sterling --has starred in HBO's "From the Earth to the Moon" and has appeared on popular shows "Law and Order" and "Sex and the City" (he played Carrie Bradshaw's fetishy politician boyfriend).And both Christina Hendricks and Elisabeth Moss had quite the body of work before their "Mad Men" Days. Hendricks had recurring roles in "Beggars and Choosers," and "ER," while Moss was best known for her work on "The West Wing."
10. Take a Refresher Course
Finally, why not just watch a "Mad Men" marathon on DVD to prep you for the upcoming season? You know it's worth the Netflix rental!
Note: This was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Join the Yahoo! Contributor Network to start publishing your own articles.
