Grooms Cakes Go from Wild To Classical!

I will never forget the scene in Steel Magnolias where Weezer takes a big hunk out of the Armadillo's tail that of course was a red velvet cake that absolutely made the poor thing look like it was bleeding!

This was hilarious!

This has been the case for years! A thematically driven  grooms cake. I have seen footballs, I have seen base ball bats. . you kind of see it all! However we got with some of our favorite pastry chefs across the country and have some insight as to where these things are going these days.

We are seeing choices going back to more basic and classic dark rich chocolate. This is a wonderful way to offset the fondant and icing that is the next night for the wedding cake. They are also going back to the idea that the rehearsal is thrown by the groom and that cake should be served then and not the next day at the wedding. Nothing should outshine the wedding cake. Do not tempt fate!

Our chef's are seeing more modern square cakes with colors like blues, greys, whites, blacks.

Finally we are seeing tons of cakes with alcohol infused into them. From Rum to Whiskey, this keeps that manly feel to it. Have fun get creative and bon appetite baby!

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Groomsmen Gone Perfect

Think about it? There are tons of stories written and lots to research for all of our bridesmaids. The same can not be said about the groomsmen! I thought I would share some ideas to help keep that day go as swimmingly as possible.

It's  a rarity in the groom's life. Think about it like this when are you ever going to have your boys around to all watch you make that big step?

Here are just a few tips to help you through the process.

1. It is likely that a good portion of your boys are coming in from out of town. This means to them a party weekend. Make sure you stress to them how important their role is in your big day and have your wedding planner make sure they don't get  too cocktailed!

2. Have the boys arrive at least 1 hour before the ceremony. No matter the location of the ceremony, it is always safe to have them all in one place. This way we can guarantee flowers get put on properly, and that everyone remembers their duties.

3. They are there to help in any way that they can. They are there to be your ushers.  However, that does not stop there. There duties involve all hands on deck at all times!

Now, of course it's a fun time for all. Let's just keep the boys in check!

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Are you "That" person at the holiday party?

It's inevitable. There is always that someone at the holiday party that does that something that has everyone talking  until the next year's holiday party! We here at Lawson Roberts have designed a fool proof list to ensure that someone being talked about isn't you!

1. Don't arrive to late for the party. It is the holiday season and people do know that we double and triple book ourselves. However, make sure that you  keep the office party as the priority and  make it your first stop.

2. Don't bring an uninvited guest. Do not assume that a guest is included. Especially when the economy is the way it is, many offices are limiting their parties to just the office worker. There is nothing worse than bringing your spouse uninvited. Talk about awkward!

3. Do not get the boss a holiday gift.  do a group office gift instead. The reasoning is simply office dynamics. No one wants to look like they are sucking up to the boss. Jump in the office pool and get a group gift. It's so much easier!

4. Do not talk shop at the party. This is a difficult one for some. However, it is  a social occasion and people want to blow some steam off.

5. Don't get too intoxicated. Keep it professional. You can still have fun, but be mindful  that the boss is still watching you.

6. Don't break the major rules of conversation. Don't talk politics or religion. However this goes for any event anywhere.

7. Don't pass on the office party.  Not attending could hurt your rep at the office, and you want to look like a team player.

8. Don't pull out the nightclub attire for the big event; nothing too revealing, and nothing too flashy.  It's an office party after all.

9. Don't assume everyone celebrates the same holidays.  Don't go overboard on the Merry Christmas.  I mean, someone could be celebrating festivus after all!

10. Don't forget to thank the host or person responsible for coordinating the event.  Make sure to write a thank you note to upper management as well.

Lions and Tigers and Seals Oh My!!! My Visit to the Central Park Zoo

It was one of those quintessential brisk NYC fall mornings. My friend Justin had flown up to the city to attend a fund raising gala that I was producing for The Trevor Project. We wrapped up our night at a reasonable hour and got up the next morning to enjoy bagels and coffee. I call that the typical NY diet!

His flight was not out till later that evening. So of course the question was what could we do in the meantime? I had always heard that Central Park had a zoo.  So we opted to walk the 3 blocks up the street to Central Park. It was just one of those amazing mornings where the cool crisp air hit your face and I was so excited to go to the zoo!

 We got into Central Park and headed towards the zoo. It is one of the few zoos that is open  365 days a year.  On another side note: Central Park ranks as the world's number 2 tourist destination.

One of the best things of the entire experience was one of the first things we ran into. I saw the Seals and we ran down to play with them.

I mean talk about a kid in a candy store! They were so adorable. I asked several questions including how does weather affect them from one point to the other. They zoologist told me that in the winter they grown an extra thick layer of fat to keep them warm. They are such smart animals. They love attention, they love to play with people and they love doing tricks!

This is Sally and she sends her love from NYC!

We meandered over to see the Polar Bears next. This was a bit boring. There was only one and he was laying on a rock rather hidden from all vantage points. 

The Snow Monkeys were intriguing to me. They have red faces and behinds as well.

I called this Monkey Island. They were pretty darn cool. 

The rain forest was a welcome warmth factor to the morning. WE encountered everything from bats to rare birds and even these guys!

They seemed to be having a fight as to who belonged on that branch. 

Now I will say: I certainly have been to better zoos. However, for $12.00, why not enjoy something this unique in Central Park.

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Thanksgiving is on the way! Lawson's famous Potato Casserole

Ok, I will absolutely admit that I am a discerning foodie. I would not go so far to say that I am the stuck up foodie. Nor will I say am  that guy that can give a dissertation on molecular gastronomy. I am however very sure that I adore food and that I love all kinds of it.

Thanksgiving is without a doubt one of my most favorite times of the year!!!!  You know growing up down south, all of the "fixins" we would enjoy were amazing. Sweet Potato Pie, Oyster Dressing, Squash Casserole, and the list goes on and on! I thought I would share with you my Aunt Alice's now my famous potato casserole recipe.

1 bag cubed frozen potatoes
1 large block of extra sharp cheddar cheese
1 large container of sour cream
Hot sauce
1 stick of butter
1 sleeve of ritz crackers

 pre-het oven to 375. Make sure potatoes are at room temperature and place them in a huge mixing bowl. grate your cheese and place in mixing bowl. add in sour cream and melted butter. Add garlic salt, lawrys seasoning salt, pepper and hot sauce to taste and mix everything up. Stick in a baking pan long is
 preferable. Do not use a casserole dish. You want the potatoes to have room. Spread out the potatoes evenly. crush up the crackers and sprinkle on top of the entire dish. Cover with tin foil and place in the oven for 35-45 minutes. Uncover and let crackers brown for another 7-10 minutes. This while not being low calorie is absolutely amazing!