Are You Ready?

Each year I can clock it. It's 2 days before Christmas as it will be tomorrow and I have not done any holiday shopping. I'll let you in on a little secret. I have a plan of attack every year. Well with the exception of my mother. She is probably the most difficult person in the world to buy for. I mean crazy difficult.

So each year I do the same thing. I find a wonderful glass shop, or cook ware store wherever I am and I  shop there. Everyone loves a wonderful pair of bordeaux glasses. I then however like to find really creative cooking vessels and gift those.

Other options are unique cook books. I am in love with vintage entertaining books this year. You know what Im talking about right? 1958 how to entertain. Call me an old soul, but I really enjoy how people took the art form of in home entertaining so seriously in 40's and 50's. I even like to try fun appetizers from the era often.

I get to thinking often how much I would have liked to have been my age back then and throwing classic dinner fetes.

What do you do for that hard to buy person? I would love to hear about it. There are a few ways that you can get in touch with me.

Email: lawson@lawsonroberts.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lawsonrobertsllc

Twitter: www.twitter.com/lawsonroberts

Until next time, good luck with your holiday shopping and happy holidays from my family to yours!


L.

LAWSON'S TIPS TO SURVIVE THE HOLIDAY PARTY

It's the most wonderful time of the year. Amazing parties, mistletoe, lots of fabulous food and cocktails and of course your company holiday party. Here are some of my top tips to keep you from being "THAT" person being spoken about  on Monday at the water cooler.

No one wants to admit this. You can not hold your liquor after a certain number of cocktails. Listen, just because there is an open bar, does not make it a sprint to the finish line and get hammered. It's a marathon. Literally try limiting yourself to 2 maybe 3 all night. Listen, the holiday party does not go all night. Head somewhere else to get sloppy. Don't do it in front of your boss.

The Day after the party is NOT a sick day

Let's say you did tie one on anyways. The next day is NOT the day to call in sick. If you do, everyone will know why! Pop that aspirin and come one in and get work done.

Eat Well

If you can't drink like you want, hit up that buffet like you own it baby!  Enjoy the food that is being offered. Great food great times!

Dress Up

This isn't a call to wear what you would wear to the club! This is more of an idea to dress up and look your best.

No Kissing

Even if the mistletoe is close, this is definitely not that time to head after your office crush. Again, you only have to be at the party for a certain amount of time. Go somewhere else and have fun.

Schmooze with Spouses

Not everyone is smart enough to take my advice (how dare they!) so if all of your coworkers bring their spouses, then it's time for you to get to work. Here is the secret to working an office party: don't go and brown nose your boss, get friendly with his or her spouse. Putting your nose halfway up your boss' ass is so transparent that everyone is going to see what you're doing. But if you talk to his or her significant other, then you're just being a good sport. 

Don't Talk Shop!

If you really want to get ahead at the office, people need to think you have a life outside of it. Talk to people about their hobbies and interests. Ask people where their kids are going to school and how their parents are doing after that operation. You don't even really have to listen, but just let people ramble on and on about themselves for a bit. They'll think you're cool. They'll think you're a friend. 

There are tons of ways to keep up with us this holiday season. Find me on our site:

Website: www.lawsonroberts.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lawsonrobertsllc

Twitter: www.twitter.com/lawsonroberts

Friday Doesn't Have to be Black

Ok, here I go. What is up with all of the crazy people out there all but stampeding  themselves to get into Walmart? One employee in Long Island was actually killed today. This is not what the meaning of Christmas is about.

Listen, I like a good sale like the rest. However, as I was making my fabulous left over turkey sandwich  today, I couldn't help to think what the crazy people were after and so desperate to get that they would take life into their own hands and literally run over people to get.

I implore you to remember the reason for the season. It's all about giving  and caring and loving people. Please keep the poor employee who lost their life working in your thoughts and prayers.

Now with that said, December is my favorite month of the year. So many fabulous parties, lighting and decor designs and more. I promise to share with you all the best of the best.

There are so many ways to keep in touch with me.

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/lawsonrobertsllc

TWITTER: www.twitter.com/lawsonroberts

SUNDAY MORNING MIMOSA: www.weddingsradio.fm

Cheers to a happy start to your holiday.

Lawson Roberts and the Seasons Bring Thought

Well, here we go again. It's another holiday season just around the corner and I am thrilled to be able to share ideas and fun thoughts with you through my BLOG. It has been a hot minute since I have been on here and I as you well know love to share my ideas and creative approaches with you. Coming up in the next few weeks, I will share fun new recipes for Thanksgiving, the latest approaches to holiday decor and more. The Lawson Roberts team has been crazy busy putting it all together for you. I look forward to your thoughts and ideas as well. There are several ways to get in touch with me. I welcome you to drop me a line any time. lawson@lawsonroberts.com. I would also love to have you follow  me on Facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/Lawsonrobertsllc

Follow me on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/lawsonroberts

It's going to be such a fabulous holiday season. Remember, we do in home or outdoor holiday installation work. Reach out to me for your FREE quote.

Best Regards,

L.

Lawson Roberts and Top 5 Summer Cocktails

There is no doubt whether you're on the East or West Coast things are heating up this time of year. I thought I would post some of my favorite cocktail recipes that I enjoy using when entertaining friends either pool side of at a dinner event.

With me being a seasoned taster but clearly no mixologist, I like to keep it simple. Enjoy.

“Always do sober what you said you’d do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut.”
~ Ernest Hemingway

The Classic Margarita

I am a nut for this. Maybe it's just me, but tequila brings out the next level to the party!

• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1 wedge lime
• 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) fresh lime juice
• 2 heaping teaspoons superfine sugar
• 1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) Cointreau or other triple sec orange liqueur
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) reposado tequila
• About 2 cups ice cubes

Spread salt on small plate. Rub lime wedge halfway around rim of 10-ounce glass (such as double old-fashioned). Dip moistened side of glass in salt to lightly coat. Set aside.

In cocktail shaker, stir together lime juice and sugar until sugar partially dissolves (about 5 seconds). Add Cointreau, tequila, and 1 cup ice cubes. Shake vigorously

Daiquiri

• 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) fresh lime juice
• 2 heaping teaspoons superfine sugar
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) white rum
• 1 cup ice cubes
• Lime wheel to garnish

In cocktail shaker, stir together lime juice and sugar until sugar dissolves. Add rum and ice cubes and shake vigorously for 20 seconds. Strain into chilled Daiquiri or coupe glass and drop in lime wheel for garnish.

Michelada

• 1/4 teaspoon piquin pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salsa picante
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 (12-ounce) can Mexican lager, chilled

• Garnish: lime wedge

In tall beer glass, stir together pepper sauce, salsa, lime juice, salt, and lager. Garnish with lime and serve immediately.

Aviation

• 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) gin
• 1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) Maraska maraschino liqueur
• 1/4 teaspoon simple syrup
• 1 cup ice cubes

Garnish:

• maraschino cherry 

In cocktail shaker, combine lemon juice, gin, maraschino liqueur, and simple syrup. Add ice and shake vigorously for 20 seconds. Strain into chilled coupe glass and drop in cherry.

Royal Blush

• 1 teaspoon cherry purée (note: recipe below makes 3/4 cup)
• 3 tablespoons (1 1/2 ounces) vodka
• 1 1/2 tablespoons (3/4 ounce) fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) simple syrup
• 5 fresh mint leaves
• 1 cup ice cubes
• 1/4 cup (2 ounces) dry sparkling wine, such as brut Champagne, chilled

To Make Cherry Purée:
In a bowl, purée frozen cherries or all-fruit spread with water. In general: 1 cup of frozen cherries (6 ounces) puréed with 2 tablespoons of water makes approximately 3/4 cup purée. To make purée using all-fruit spread, combine 3/4 cup spread with 3/4 cup water. Any extra can be used to make smoothies or sauce for ice cream.

Do you have a favorite classic Summer cocktail? I'd love to hear what it is? Drop me a line. Lawson@lawsonroberts.com.

As always thanks for reading. Keep up with all the exciting happenings.

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Lawson Roberts' Fabulous Fathers Day Festivities

So what is it that they say always a God father and never a father. . .or is it the brides maid and never a bride??? Oh well regardless, Sunday is dad's big day. What are you doing for him? It got me thinking I thought I would share just a few fun ideas. Of course you can buy the proverbial card. That's lovely and a nice touch. However, don't be so darn obvious.

Start by making dad breakfast in the morning. If you're lucky enough to live in the same city, nothing beats waking up to the smell of bacon in the frying pan. Trust me!!

The Tie! I know what you're thinking. However, the tie does not have to be the same old same old. Try out our friend Social Primer and their unique play on fantastic ties. It will keep dad fresh and hip! It's the rage all over the country these days. You can find them at www.socialprimer.com

Beer of the month club: this is a tried and true option for dad. So get a gift certificate and get it done quick!

Finally let's make some dinner for him. What does dad like? Here is an awesome recipe for steak au poivre. Anthony Bourdain has my fav recipe.

4 8-ounce steaks

2 ounces olive oil

2 ounces freshly cracked peppercorns (crushed but not ground to powder!)

4 ounces sweet butter

1 ounce good Cognac

4 ounces strong, dark veal stock (something to keep in your freezer)

Salt and pepper

1. Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Moisten the meat very slightly with oil, then dredge each of the steaks in the crushed peppercorns to thoroughly coat. Don't be shy with the pepper.

2. Heat the remaining oil in the skillet over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add 2 ounces, which is half of the butter. Place the steaks in the pan and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per side.

3. Transfer the pan to the oven and cook until desired doneness, about 5 to 7 minutes for rare, 10 minutes for medium rare, and so on. Remove from the oven and remove the steaks from the pan to rest. Have I told you yet to always rest your meat after cooking? I've told you now.

DIRECTIONS FOR SAUCE

1. Return the skillet to the stovetop and carefully stir in the Cognac. As much fun as it is to create a column of flame as you add flammable material to an incredibly hot pan, it's not really desirable or necessary — especially in a home kitchen. Unless you're a pyromaniac, I recommend carefully adding the Cognac to the still-hot pan off the flame, stirring and scraping with the wooden spoon to get every scrap, every peppercorn, every rumor of flavor clinging to the bottom of the pan.

2. Now place the pan on the flame again and cook it down a bit, by about half. Stir in the veal stock and reduce over medium heat until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Whisk in the remaining butter and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with French fries or sautéed potatoes.

Note on searing: With any recipe that calls for searing meat and then using the pan to make a sauce, be careful to avoid blackening the pan; your sauce will taste burnt. Avoid by adjusting the heat to, say, medium high, so it will still sear the meat but not scorch the pan juices. But stoves and pans vary, so pay attention.

For all things entertaining style, follow me your entertaining expert.

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Gatsby: Art Drama Meets Music Video

I don't know what I was expecting last night when I viewed The Great Gatsby. There had been enough hype about the film that I figured why not. Let's fight opening night crowds and see what there was to see. What I came across was pretty much what I expected.

It's funny. The industry sets you up to fail. They build you up with this great idea about creating a remake of the 74 classic. Let's cast Huge names like Leo Dicaprio and Toby Maguire. Then just as you are getting your feet wet in promotion for the finished product is when the sharks start throwing tomatoes at your face. Oh this movie won't even break 18 million in its first week. Rotten Tomatoes start their routine at ripping a movie even before any "normal" person can have their chance to view it.

Here's my review from a "next to normal person."

I've always loved Fitzgerald's love of the jazz era. His tributes that he paid in the book jumped off the page. As expected so did the scenes from the movie. Baz Luhrman has created another Moulin Rouge (well without as much singing.) His soundtrack that was produced by Jay-Z was nothing short of flawless. You'd hear whispers of Gershwin in songs sung by R&B artists into a rap song. The mash ups I can not speak highly enough of.


From the character standpoint : It was very nice to see Gatsby really look human in this version. I have always felt that his character while very complicated still needed to have a human side. The back and forth at tea with he and his expecting Daisy's arrival was perfect. The honesty of the role is great. However, with that said, they did not flush out enough of his crazy passion for her. Yes, clearly he loved her, but it was supposed to be to a very mentally unstable fault. This was left in the shadows. I was disappointed. I wanted to see the full spectrum of the character.

Toby Maguire does a fine job in all aspects. His chemistry with Dicaprio is very well noted. It makes sense. They have been friends for over 25 years. When Leo wanted Toby to chat with him about the show, all he had to do was walk across the hall in his apartment building.

The movie's lust for decadence and all  things money were shown in tremendous form. The staged parties at Gatsby's mansion were elegant and over the top.

Do yourself a favor, check this one out. I question the word Oscar. However, still worth the trip to see.

As always thanks for reading. You can keep up with me in a bunch of ways.

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Mother's Day Musts:

If your mother is any thing like mine, she had a huge  almost unmistakable influence in your life. So with that being said, every year I challenge myself to find some really great non traditional gift for her. I mean let's face it flowers are fine, but so kind of overdone and overplayed. So here are some really fun options that you can get mom this year and gain some mega points.  Remember, your secret is safe with me as well.

One of the biggest gifts you can give mom this year is the gift of your time. Make dinner (and wash the dishes.) Hand write a card for her telling her how much she means to you. They say, one of the greatest gifts one can give to anyone else is the gift of themselves.

Now on with ideas that you can buy that are tres chic!!

For the Mom who has everything! This is like my mother. She is IMPOSSIBLE to buy for.

The OXO Box Grater is the perfect gift for the mom who already has every kitchen gadget. It has a compact design and features four different grating surfaces. The large stainless steel coarse surfaces are well-suited for grating vegetables and cheese, while the super-fine surface allows you to grate nutmeg and ginger with ease. Best of all, the grater comes with a storage container with a non-slip ring and measurement markings. This affordable, handy tool will allow mom to cut down on clean-up time and make it super easy for her to store freshly grated ingredients.

Can't afford to take Mom to Tuscany this year? Give her the next best thing and buy her Diptyque's Cyprès candle. This luxury candle captures the Italian Cypress aroma with a spicy, woodsy blend with an oak tree finish. Renowned French perfume house Diptyque uses only natural ingredients when composing their scents and their candles are guaranteed to burn for 60 hours. This candle is truly perfume for the home.

Flowers are always the winning thing me. My mother adores fresh flowers. 

Go for the tummy! Brunch is one thing. However, show your creative side and make her dinner!

Happy Mother's day to all!

As always thanks for reading. You can keep up with me in a bunch of 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