Lawson Roberts Wishes Fall a Fab Hello!

I love the changing of seasons especially in Charleston when the summer heat finally breaks and events are an afternoon delight.

In NYC, that crisp cool air starts to come in across the Hudson and I don't know about you, I am such a sucker for a good sweater to wear! LOVE my V-necks.

With the changing of seasons, it's time to start thinking about some  fun seating options that are not always done but will surely make things easy for you and your guests.

I love using a long farm/community table. It makes your guests feel more at home and allows the seating arrangements to be a breeze. 

Instead of worrying about dividing people into groups of eight just think about the person they are between and across. 

This is a great solution for events that have limited space and especially if the event has a sit down dinner component which would allow servers to come in and out with ease.

 This simple change will add a level of classic elegance and grace to your event.

Here's to lots of pumpkin spice and a fabulous Fall!

For all things entertaining style, follow me, your entertaining expert.  Style, sophistication, and fantastic fun.

Lawson

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Lawson's Lovely Labor Day- Garden Style

Wow, I can not believe it's Labor Day already. The Summer flew by.  Honor yourself and your other employed pals by having a party and taking the long weekend to soak up the final days of summer. Here are some fun ways to celebrate.


Here's a must have drink for the everyone to enjoy. A classic Arnold Palmer is never a bad idea. But instead of playing by the rules make this fabulous Grilled Peach and Basil Arnold Palmer. You can make some for the kids and even spike it for the adults.

Get the recipe here!

The beautifully colored dish is perfect for impressing your guests and getting rid of all your excess produce! There's no way to make this incredible Garden Tart with Feta Spread wrong. Use your imagination and remember the more color the better! And it's perfect if you have a vegetarian in your midst. 

Get the recipe here!

You can never go wrong with chicken. It's affordable when feeding a large crowd and can be prepared in what seems like an infinite number of ways. So for the main dish I recommend this Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken. Fire up the grill and use some fresh cilantro you have in your garden or just from the market. Have fresh limes on deck to add the citrus twist that will be a real tastebud pleaser. 

Get the recipe here!

Clenching a sweet tooth doesn't always have to include chocolate ice cream and whipped cream. In this case, using an array of your favorite berries and fruits makes this Rustic Fruit Galette sweet and savory and leaves you and your guests satisfied. 

Get the recipe here!

-When setting a table remember to stick with a theme. Hopefully the wind won't be a huge contender in the forecast but just in case it is, be sure to wind proof the table cloth in the event you choose to use one. It simple, just place some bungee cords or table cloth anchors at the corners, and voila, No flying table cloth. 

-Since its nearing the end of summer, incorporate some flowers to give off that fresh summer time vibe. Use flower boxes as your center pieces. 

-Neutral napkins are a good go to. No need for bright colors since the flowers and food will be doing that for you. Stick to beige, pin stripes, or any calm tone that suits the scheme you're going with. 

-You can never go wrong with bamboo place mats. Died or natural, they are simple, versatile, and best of all easy to clean. 

For all things entertaining style, follow me, your entertaining expert.  Style, sophistication, and fantastic fun.

Lawson

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Lawson Roberts Guide to Engagement Rings: What to know and How to Choose

Shopping for jewelry is no easy task.  Shopping for an engagement ring is even harder and having the pressure of popping the big question can make it all the more difficult. So before you even start shopping, keep these things 8 key things in mind. 

1. Shape is Number 1: The first thing to know is that the shape of the stone determines the geometry. Keep in mind that the cut of the stone relates to the angles of the facets within the stone itself.

2. The Setting: It is imperative that you have a quality setting. This is the structure in which the stone is mounted. Deciding on the correct setting, whether it be a classic four prong structure or something less traditional, can be a tricky task but also will also set the entire tone for the ring. 

3. Her Style: Pay attention to what she wears and the type of jewelry she likes. You can always ask a family member or a best friend to help you out, but if you want this to be a complete surprise, turn your eyes on an take notes. 

4. Choosing the Metal: The band of the ring can come in a variety of metals. A popular choice lately has been platinum. It is the most durable and is great for those who have sensitive skin. Pay attention to what color she wears most. If she's always wearing gold, you know right away which direction to go. 

5. Loose Stone, No Problem:  A lot of people think that you buy the ring and its over. That's not always the case. The rings you see at the jewelers are most of the time just samples. You'll probably be buying loose stones so make sure you and a jeweler inspect it thoroughly. Most of the cost is in the stone, so why not pick them out yourself  and make it fabulous?

6. Budget In Mind: No matter what your budget, you can give your future fiancee a magnificent ring. Don't buy anything that is way out of reach. Your fiancee doesn't want you to go into major debt. So if she she is set on the size of the stone and you don't have the budget to give her that, go with more surface area and sacrifice on the sparkle. If she doesn't want to budge on the look of the stone, go with a size that is just short of the next carat. This can save you nearly 20 percent. 

7. Shopping Safely: Ask friends or family what kind of experiences they've had with what jewelers. If you don't have any leads, do some of your own research and look for places that are accredited by Jewelers of America or Gemological Institute of America, which are great starting points. 

8. The Six Week Rule: Rings don't just appear within a week of when you place the order. So this takes major planning. Most rings take up to six weeks or longer depending if you have custom ordered it. And if you're going to get an inscription on the inside, be sure to request it when you place the order.

The EXPERT:  We have a diamond expert that we go to in NYC. His name is Joshua Levkoff. Check out his site http://www.joshlevkoff.com

For all things entertaining style, follow me, your entertaining expert.  Style, sophistication, and fantastic fun.

Lawson

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