Thankful at Thanksgiving for You!

It's the holiday season yet again. I can't believe another year has passed by so quickly. It's kind of funny. I was telling a friend just the other day as I get older the years pass by so much quicker. I always heard my parents tell me that. Of course I didn't believe it. Now here I sit with another year to look back on and just smile. 

I can be honest with you. The economy hurt everyone in our industry. I however am blessed that we have so many various offerings that we managed to not only survive the downfall, but come out stronger than ever. It got me thinking of how I am so grateful for my clients, friends and family in my life.

Thanksgiving in my family meant we would head to my grandmother's house (Gammy) as we called her. I can still see it like it was yesterday. We would walk in and she would have my nanny (Rosa) and one of Rosa's sisters helping her in the kitchen. Gammy who was one of the most prim and proper people I had known was cursing like a sailor. "Expletive. . . oh damn I'm sorry for cussing. . .Rosa get me the Jello  Mold." It was a tradition. The guys would be in the living room watching foot ball. The girls in the dining room or outside after making bloody marys.

There was always the family football game. . which clearly if you know me at all. . you would quickly realize I did not take too much part in. However, it was about 20 of us and it was something to look forward to every year. 

When Gammy passed some years ago the family just opted to stay with their immediate families and there went that tradition. Now that it's really just me and my mother as my little brother lives away, Thanksgiving is often spent on what I like to call the junket. That consists of stopping in at friends and maybe eating or just having a drink. I so long for those days of family years ago.

The holidays are for remembering the people you care about and that is what I do every year. I have to thank you as well. You have been so kind to keep us working and you have made my radio show a huge success. So from my family to yours, Happy Holidays and enjoy a safe and food and fun filled Thanksgiving my dear friends.

L.

Remember to keep up with us in a few different ways.

Like us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/Lawsonrobertsllc

Follow us on Twitter at : http://www.twitter.com/lawsonroberts

Listen to us on:                 http://www.weddingsradio.fm

SEEING STARS in Charleston

It was a typical Wednesday. I met my production manager for a creative strategy session on a design proposal that I am working on. We started by meeting at the Cocktail Club. It's a great place to enjoy the fall air and be inspired.

We sat for at least 2 hours working on fresh new ideas for living art pieces, interactive art, and group amenities.

WE Immediately got to work designing and chatting as we do. I then remembered our friend Nathan Thurston's new restaurant Stars had just opened and we had not been in yet.

I know what you're thinking! What . . .Lawson had not been in. I'll let you in on my little secret. I try my hardest NOT to drop into a new restaurant or bar for at least 2 weeks. I don't care what it is you say. if you have a bad time and experience  slow service or something is not to your liking, (even though they're new) it still leaves a bad taste in your mouth. First impressions are just that, first impressions.

Well we met one of my best girl friends and her boy friend over there and as we walked in, I was totally transported. The space was HUGE! Bartenders in white dinner coats, crisp white shirts, attentive servers. . . It was delightful. I asked about how to get up stairs and was escorted up 3 flights by one of their fun servers.

The roof top bar is by far the largest on the peninsula. It has some amazing views. I was particularly impressed with their furniture choices. I was NOT impressed with their limited wine selection. All of their wines by the glass are on tap. Which leaves it to basically one per varietal. I will say what they chose to be on tap was well thought of. We tried to order food on the roof and were told they were not quite at that point yet. I of all people totally get that. So does Chef Thurston. Nate wants everything to be flawless. He told me last Friday alone they had over 1000 guests between up and down!

We came down just to grab a quick bite. Chef sent out his signature roasted oysters with asiago cheese. . .YUM! We then ordered the "mini burger" there is nothing mini about these and yet the price is only $10.75. Well played.

Make a point to drop in to Stars at 495 King Street.

Halloween is approaching. I have a fabulous design idea to share with you soon!!!

Remember to keep up with us in a few different ways.

Like us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/Lawsonrobertsllc

Follow us on Twitter at : http://www.twitter.com/lawsonroberts

Listen to us on:                 http://www.weddingsradio.fm

Candy Those Brussels! A FABULOUS RECIPE

You know what I find funny? Whenever we do dinner parties, I always get asked to do the same dishes. I guess for sure it's a total compliment. Sometimes, admittedly I get a bit bored with the same old same old. My guests, contrarily, LOVE it. Here is my recipe for candied Brussels.

Please note that I have never been a big measuring person so bare with me.


Take a package of  fresh brussels and  wash. Cut off stems and then cut into halves.

1 whole shallot cut into halves and the finely chopped

1 half hand full of light brown sugar

1 package of pancetta

approx 1 cup of water/chicken stock

5-6 dashes of balsamic vinegar


Brown off the pancetta until crispy in the pan. Add in the shallots and stir until they start sweating and then add brown sugar and balsamic vinegar. Finally add brussels and add the water. Stir and evenly spread all ingredients together on medium high heat. Let the brussels start to caramelize and then turn and mix for the other side to it. The combination should have this sweet and savory taste.

It's truthfully that easy my friends. Good Luck and Bon Appetite!!

Remember to keep up with us in a few different ways.

Like us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/Lawsonrobertsllc

Follow us on Twitter at : http://www.twitter.com/lawsonroberts

Listen to us on:                 http://www.weddingsradio.fm

It's All About Ice

Ice is a component that we all know and love when we are enjoying our cold cocktails this time of year. It has in recent years become even more important in its style and presentation for cocktail connoisseurs. I thought I would share some insight on the differences and what they are used for.

It's so easy for the customer to pay no attention to the importance of ice cubes. I'm here to tell you they're expensive. You know those 1 inch cubes? $4,500 for a Kold-Draft machine that makes those rock-solid 1-inch cubes. The machine produces about 650 pounds a day and the cubes are used in clear spiritous drinks and in the long or tall drinks.

The crushed ice machine costs about $2000.00. Who would have thought that ice could be so expensive.

Least we not forget the hand cut cubes. These are way cool! It's something that happens about once a week where bars will buy one big block of ice. They will then take a chain saw and break it up and then perfectly shape it into one larger cube to fit into your glass. This is fabulous.

Death and Co. in NYC really set the standard for this type of service. It has spread like crazy all over the country.

Remember to keep up with us in a few different ways.

Like us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/Lawsonrobertsllc

Follow us on Twitter at : http://www.twitter.com/lawsonroberts

Listen to us on:                 http://www.weddingsradio.fm

The Gift That Keeps Giving: Your Perfect Hostess Gift

I can't tell you how many emails I get week in and out from our radio show listeners followers on Twitter and even just friends on creative ideas of what to bring as a hostess gift when you've been invited to a dinner party or cocktail event. I thought I would share some fun non traditional ideas that work out really well in all social occasions.

One of the biggest mistakes that people make when going to someones house or apartment is they bring something that requires immediate attention by the host/hostess. This is a huge no no!!! The idea of a hostess gift is that they get to enjoy it once they are done entertaining. In another words DON'T bring some casserole appetizer thing that needs to be heated up unless you have discussed it well in advance. Nothing can be worse than throwing off the sync of the flow of the oven! I mean we are not Le Bernadin and don't have 5 ovens. Food has been carefully planned out for length of use and order of use. Don't be that person.

With that said, here are some fun ideas to try.

The Bottle of Wine: I don't care how boring this may seem to you. This is always a home run. Here's the deal though, make sure to put it in a cute wine bag and make sure your host/hostess knows it's for them to open later and for them to enjoy. You can even have it personalized for them. How cute right?!!

Wine Club Membership: This is a fun one. It depends on the level of investment you wish to make. How much fun to have your host/hostess receive a bottle of wine from you each month? You don't have to do it for a year either. 3 months is a gracious plenty (as some of my southern friends say). 

Cordial Glasses: Thank them by purchasing something really fun. How about a really fun and colorful set of cordial glasses?

DO NOT buy a plant or flowers and bring them with you that night!! HUGE NO NO!!!! Remember we are not trying to create more work for our host/hostess. What you can do is order a thank you orchid and have it sent over the next day with your thank you note.  I do so LOVE simple orchids.

Heirloom Veggies: Is you host/hostess big into cooking? How about sending them Heirloom vegetables? There are clubs that you can join them into that will ship fresh veggies to their home. This is so cool!!! Again, we're not talking a year's worth either.

Date Night to the Movies: Give your host/hostess a gift card to the nearest movie theater. Some movie theaters these days are serving cocktails and full dinners. It is a perfect gift.

Remember, it is ALWAYS appropriate to have something for your host/hostess. I hope you enjoy some of these options.

Remember to keep up with us in a few different ways.

Like us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/Lawsonrobertsllc

Follow us on Twitter at : http://www.twitter.com/lawsonroberts

Listen to us on:                 http://www.weddingsradio.fm

Lawson's Heirloom Tomato Pie

Nothing screams Fourth of July to me than a trip to the Farmers Market either in the Hamptons on Saturday morning or if I happen to be in the city of course Union Square on Wednesdays is awesome! When I am down south, Charleston SC has one of the best farmers markets in the country!

Find the Heirloom tomatoes and as many crazy colors as possible. Here's my southern fabulous recipe for you. Enjoy.

1 9 inch pastry shell (unbaked)
3 large colorful heirloom tomatoes thinly sliced
1 large Vidalia onion thinly sliced (it MUST be Vidalia) They're the sweetest!
cracked pepper
sea salt
1 cup fresh whole basil leaves
1 cup Dukes Mayonnaise. (Duke's is a southern brand. . but is AMAZING if you can get it)
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/2  cup grated asiago
1/2 cup Gruyere

set oven to 375 and bake pie shell off for approx 12 minutes and let cool

Combine the mayo and the cheese

Place tomatoes on a paper towel and sprinkle with some sea salt to dehydrate a bit.

Place layer of tomatoes, then onions on top of that and then the layer of mayo and cheese spread and repeat until fill. Make sure to dot eat layer with fresh basil leaves. On the final layer chop of the basil and sprinkle on top.

Bake at 350 for approx 35 minutes or until golden brown.

emember to keep up with us in a couple of different ways:

Like us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/Lawsonrobertsllc

Follow us on Twitter at : http://www.twitter.com/lawsonroberts

Listen to us on:                 http://www.weddingsradio.fm

Operation Occupy Children for the Fourth!!!

It's no secret. Kids get bored easily even when playing out by the pool or the beach. Here's a fun crafts corner idea to keep them busy for a while. It's not too difficult and heck even we can have fun with them!!

What you'll need:

•   Household sponge

•   White printer or copier paper

•   Blue and red craft paint

•   Gold paint pen

•   Ruler

•   Pencil

•   Thumbtack

•   Pony bead

•   Scissors

•   Wooden dowel

How to make it:

1.Using A template as a guide, cut the white paper to a 7" square.

2.Cut a star shape out of a household sponge.

3.Squeeze blue paint onto a palette or paper plate. Dip sponge into paint, dab off excess, and press onto paper. Repeat design in several places. Clean out the sponge and repeat with red paint.

4.Use a gold paint pen to draw dots and curly lines on the paper to decorate it further. Let dry then turn over and decorate the other side.

5.Use a ruler and a pencil to lightly mark the paper according to the template. Cut diagonal lines toward the center, using the template as a guide.

6.Use the pencil to poke holes in the paper where indicated on the template.

7.Insert the thumbtack into the wooden dowel to create a hole. Remove

thumbtack.

8.Fold one of the corners (with a hole) toward the center of the paper. Insert the thumbtack through the hole. Bring the next corner up and under the first one, inserting the thumbtack. Repeat for all four then push the thumbtack through the center hole.

9.Holding the tack and the paper together with one hand, turn over and slide the pony bead onto the thumbtack, then insert the thumbtack into the dowel. This will add space between the paper pinwheel and the dowel.

Tips:

1.You can use a new pencil with an eraser instead of the dowel.

2.To shorten the dry time, only paint one side of the paper. When you begin folding, have the unpainted side facing up at you so that when folding over the corners, the designs will become visible.

Do not use card stock or poster board. That type of paper is too heavy and your pinwheel will not turn.

Remember to keep up with us in a couple of different ways:

Like us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/Lawsonrobertsllc

Follow us on Twitter at : http://www.twitter.com/lawsonroberts

Listen to us on:                 http://www.weddingsradio.fm

Sensible Scents Around Food for your Fourth

I know what you're thinking. Who the heck wants to be bugged by all of these bugs this season. If you're from down south where it was unseasonably warm this Winter and quite wet this Spring, that means one thing. MOSQUITOES!!!!!

I can't stand them. I am always looking for ways to keep them away from us while still allowing for an enjoyable outing for the Fourth. I was recently in Yankee Candle and came across the  Bug Free Candles. These things are great!

One of the biggest problems  I have with citronella on tables or even around anywhere is that it smells so bad and without even trying can taint the smell of your food. These candles I have found do not have ANY scent at all and work exactly like Citronella!!!!! BONUS.

Here is what I am doing this season. Take 3 vessels and fill with water. Add blue food coloring to one, add red to another and leave the 3rd clear. This creates your red white and blue theme. Float the candles in them and you're all set.

(This shot taken from a recent NBC appearance I did)

It's an easy and chic way to keep the bugs away from the party!

Remember to keep up with us in a couple of different ways:

Like us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/Lawsonrobertsllc

Follow us on Twitter at : http://www.twitter.com/lawsonroberts

Listen to us on:                 http://www.weddingsradio.fm

Red, White and Blue Potato Salad

Ok, this is taking color coordination a little far. However, given that you can get all three colors at your nearest market, why not right?!!

2 pounds small new potatoes, cut into 3/4 inch chunks, red, white, yellow, and/or blu

3/4 cup light sour cream

1/4 cup light mayonnaise

1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese, optional

6 scallions, thinly sliced

4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

salt and pepper, to taste

Place potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring water to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer potatoes until they are just fork tender, about 12-15 minutes.

Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk the sour cream, mayo, and blue cheese (if using) together until smooth.

When potatoes are cooked, drain and toss them gently with the sour cream mixture until thoroughly combined. Season with salt and pepper, cover with plastic and refrigerate for at least one hour, or up to one day.

Before serving, carefully fold in the scallions and top with the crumbled bacon. Serve immediately.

Remember to keep up with us in a couple of different ways:

Like us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/Lawsonrobertsllc

Follow us on Twitter at : http://www.twitter.com/lawsonroberts

Listen to us on:                 http://www.weddingsradio.fm

Spice up your Fourth with this Fab Cocktail

As we continue offering you daily doses of lifestyle living leading up to your Fourth of July Celebration, it is time to offer the first of several cocktail options.  This one takes its lead from the latest rage and that's adding a little heat into your drink. 

• 1 ounce watermelon schnapps
• 1 big splash cranberry juice
• 1 very thin  slice of  serrano pepper
• 1 slice lemon
• 1 slice lime
• 1 1/2 ounces tequila
• 1/4 ounce blue curacao
• 1/2 ounce simple syrup
• Watermelon wedge, for garnish (optional)

It's simple: Here's how you make it!!!

Mix the schnapps and cranberry juice in a shaker; pour into an ice-filled glass.

Muddle the jalapeno pepper, lemon and lime slices, tequila, blue curacao and simple syrup (to make a batch, dissolve sugar in equal parts hot water and chill) in the shaker. Slowly strain into the glass over the red layer. Garnish with watermelon, if desired.

Remember to keep up with us in a couple of different ways:

Like us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/Lawsonrobertsllc

Follow us on Twitter at : http://www.twitter.com/lawsonroberts

Listen to us on:                 http://www.weddingsradio.fm