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Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Party Favors for Weddings? Lawson's Guide to the BEST of the BEST and INEXPENSIVE!

A grand gift to your guests and your wallet. 

Seed Paper

Giving this gift to your guest will make you feel like your wedding is saving the world. You won't have the cliche bottle of bubbles ending up in a landfill. Just plant your heart and watch it grow. 

Cookie Buffet with Take-Away Containers

Buffets are always a hit with guest but a cookie buffet will surprise and please them beyond words. Use  various antique jars and inexpensive togo boxes for a more rustic feel.

S’mores Kit

Fun and sophistication mingle with these DIY S'mores kits that make excellent wedding favors for your  guests.

Coffee Beans

These coffee bags come pre-packaged and personalized.  They are an inexpensive and memorable gift and will fuel your guest after a long night of wedding fun.



Bottle Openers 

These adorable little bottle openers are a great wedding favor. Perfect for keeping the party going long after the wedding has ended. 

 The Lawson Roberts Famous Hangover Kit 

This kit it crazy cute and utilitarian. It includes all the necessities that your guest will require the morning after your wedding reception, they will be thanking you for days. 



REWINED Candles

These candles are local to Charleston SC and are made from repurposed wine bottles. They smell amazing and the company will create a section for you to add your initials and your special day right on the label. 

For details on where you can find these fabulous gifts, simply drop us a line. lawson@lawsonroberts.com.

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

Be sure to catch Southern Charm every Monday on BRAVO TV at 10 PM EDT for a look into southern style and chic parties.


Lawson







Friday, April 3, 2015

Lawson's Favorite Easter Appetizers 

Classic Deviled Eggs

Ok I know how it is. What do you bring for Easter Lunch? OH NO!!!!! Hey don't worry I got you. Check out some of my favorite easy to prepare items for the holiday!
Easter is not Easter without some deviled eggs. I love this concept as they can be prepared so many ways. Here's a quick and easy recipe.


6 eggs
1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon yellow mustard
Lawrys seasoning salt to taste

Freshly ground black pepper
Smoked Spanish paprika, for garnish

Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan and cover with enough water that there's 1 1/2 inches of water above the eggs. Heat on high until water begins to boil, then cover, turn the heat to low, and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and leave covered for 14 minutes, then rinse under cold water continuously for 1 minute.

Crack egg shells and carefully peel under cool running water. Gently dry with paper towels. Slice the eggs in half lengthwise, removing yolks to a medium bowl, and placing the whites on a serving platter. Mash the yolks into a fine crumble using a fork. Add mayonnaise, mustard,  seasoning salt, and pepper, and mix well.

Evenly disperse heaping teaspoons of the yolk mixture into the egg whites. Sprinkle with paprika and serve.

Feeling frisky? Try pimento cheese deviled eggs, or smoked salmon deviled eggs with capers and red onion. I have those recipes for you. If you'd like them, drop me a line. lawson@lawsonroberts.com.


Mustard-Dill Tortellini Salad Skewers


These adorable little skewers are guaranteed to be a huge hit for any Easter party. They are tasty, light, and refreshing way to start a perfect spring meal.



1 (9-oz.) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
1 (8-oz.) package frozen sugar snap peas
68 (4-inch) wooden skewers
1 pt. grape tomatoes, cut in half
Mustard-Dill Vinaigrette

Cook tortellini according to package directions. Rinse under cold running water.

Place sugar snap peas in a small bowl; cover with plastic wrap. Microwave at HIGH 2 minutes. Let stand, covered, 2 minutes. Rinse under cold running water.

Thread each skewer with 1 sugar snap pea, 1 tortellini, and 1 tomato half.

Place skewers in a 13- x 9-inch baking dish.

Pour Mustard-Dill Vinaigrette over skewers, turning to coat.

Cover and chill 4 hours.

Transfer skewers to a serving platter; discard any remaining vinaigrette.
1 (12-oz.) bottle light Champagne vinaigrette may be substituted. 
This appetizer is sure to spice up your Easter day. The best part about this dish is that it's simple and quick to make.



1 1/4 cups mayonnaise
1/2 (12-oz.) jar roasted red bell peppers, drained and chopped
2 teaspoons finely grated onion
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
2 (10-oz.) blocks sharp white Cheddar cheese, shredded
Freshly ground black pepper
Assorted crackers

Stir together mayonnaise and next 4 ingredients until well blended; stir in cheese and black pepper to taste. Serve with assorted crackers. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container up to 4 days.

Mini Caprese Bites

Serve these mini tomato and mozzarella skewers in individual glasses at a seated dinner party, or arrange on a platter for your buffet. They will be gone in minute but don't worry because they are unbelievably easy to make.


1 pt. grape tomatoes, halved
10 to 14 fresh small mozzarella cheese balls, cut into thirds*
32 (4-inch) wooden skewers**
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
6 thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
Kosher salt and pepper

Thread 1 tomato half,
1 piece of cheese, and another tomato half onto each skewer.
 Place skewers in a shallow serving dish.

Whisk together oil and next 3 ingredients. Drizzle oil mixture over skewers; sprinkle with basil and salt and pepper to taste.
1 (8-oz.) package fresh mozzarella, cut into 1/2-inch cubes, may be substituted.

Gorgonzola Truffles

 2 words gorgonzola and truffles. . ummm YUMMM!  So popular at any party. They are perfect with a crispy baguette and Spring fruits. 

4 ounces cream cheese, softened 
1 (4-oz.) container crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
2 teaspoons finely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
Apple and pear slices
Grapes

Beat first 5 ingredients at medium speed with an electric mixer until well combined. Cover tightly, and chill at least 1 hour or until firm (can chill up to 3 days).

 Roll cheese mixture into small -round balls.

 Roll each ball in bacon. Serve immediately, or cover and chill until ready to serve. If chilled, let stand 30 minutes before serving.
Serve with apple and pear slices and grapes.


From my family to yours have a happy and blessed Easter!


For all things entertaining style, follow me, your entertaining expert. Be sure to catch Southern Charm every Monday on BRAVOTV at 10 PM EDT for a look into southern style and chic parties.


Lawson









Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Lawson's Creative DIY Centerpieces

I am always asked to create something new and creative for centerpieces. I thought I would share some fabulous ideas with you getting set for Easter.


Centerpiece doesn't have to mean standard bouquet. After all, they are the center. For something with such focus, it ought to be perfect. Get creative with these fabulous DIY ideas without breaking the bank.


Being healthy is the new black, so get organic- with your vases? Yes! Simply spread thick floral moss on your floral containers using a hot-glue gun. For a slightly different direction, use lemon leaves with a spray adhesive, applying them to the container one at a time.


Assemble a test-tube style centerpiece packed with your choice of a single bloom or beautiful herbs. Herbs I think look particularly gorgeous are basil, rosemary, and curly parsley.


So I know being healthy and organic is "in", but asparagus? You heard right. Pairing a bundle of asparagus with tulips creates the illusion the flowers are growing from within.
How to: Fill a six-inch-wide frosted vase with tulips (or a flower of your choice). Stretch two rubber bands or more around the diameter of the vase. Use two-dozen asparagus spears to tuck inside the rubber bands.


The bizarre food turned decor doesn't stop there! Tomatoes are great for the more rustic weddings. Their rich color and varying sizes and shapes emulate a sensual, sculptural still-life. Try bright red chili peppers or clusters of basil if you wish to add more animation. I turn to Martha Stewart for this example below.


For a classic look, go for the gold. Use old wine bottles and spray paint them with a metallic gold. Use the bottles as flower vases, leaving some of the bottles empty for a more designer made effect. Add wheat to a few vases with or without the floral for a natural look.



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


Lawson






Saturday, February 28, 2015

Lawson's 15 Shades of Grey- Decor Style

Ok so we are officially done with the movie hype of 50 shades. I get it. However, everyone knows that grey doesn't have to be  blah in your decor scheme. As a matter of fact, grey is far from boring. Here are some fabulous ways to incorporate this trendy color into your corporate events, parties, and home.

Let it speak for itself in the great outdoors. I like to use some  colored throw pillows just for the accent.




Be the center of your living room pallet


Or maybe just an accent



How about in your favorite escape?

Compliment the shade with a gentle wood




Or add some contrast with a pop of color



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


Lawson








Sunday, February 15, 2015

LAWSON ROBERTS- EASY STEPS TO ARRANGE A BUFFET

Ever wonder how to set out a buffet of food to not have huge lines and to ensure that it looks perfect? It's not as hard as you might think.


Buffets are fabulous when hosting a small or a  large group of guests. I love them because  they're easy to assemble and also easy on the eyes. 

Here are some tips on arranging a buffet, whether it be casual or remarkably lavish.

1. First things first- how do you arrange the plates? The clean plates should be at the beginning of your buffet. Next come the cold items followed by the hot items. Last on the table is your silverware and napkins. This is best for two reasons; one so your guest doesn't have to juggle their forks and spoons while filling their plate, and two so they know which utensils they will need depending on their selection. Also, I always like to grab a few extra napkins if its something a little messy!

2. A buffet should always appear full. If you're using a larger table, group the food together! If the table isn't actually full, place decor, coffee, or dessert at the ends. 


3. For a more extravagant buffet, offer multiples of each category. If you're offering fishes and meats, keep them on separate tables. If space is limited, a simpler way to do this is with a centerpiece or by placing them with different sides; fish with rice, meat with potatoes, etc. Be sure to have plates, silverware, and napkins at each end!

4. To assure the buffet is well-balanced, I recommend including a protein, vegetable, salad, bread, and a grain based dish.

5. For outdoor buffets, keep the food covered until it's time to dine. To be extra safe, set out citronella candles among the area.  It is of note to find the citronella candles that do not have a scent to them. Nothing worse than having you BBQ brisket have a flowery smell to it.


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


Lawson






Friday, February 13, 2015

LAWSON ROBERTS AMAZING VALENTINE'S GIFTS



It's Valentine's Day and you haven't gotten a gift yet? oh SH*T!!!! Here are some fun ideas for you.


Leave a surprise love note hanging from his or her car mirror.


Make a memory jar!





Use a Mason jar to fill memorabilia saved throughout your relationship. This can be anything from movie and museum tickets to the ring he won you at an arcade. There’s no better way to display cherished memories without being cheesy. For the manliest men, consider using a clear bottle of their favorite liquor; they’ll be sure to put it on display!













Assemble a gift bouquet with his favorite essentials



Keep the intimacy of Valentine’s Day in spirit with this sexy truth or dare game.


Leave a note!

If you already have a gift in mind but aren't exactly known for being romantic, there is a fabulous way to make traditional not so traditional. Attach a decorated note to the gift indicating a spot and time to meet that night.














Sweep her off her feet

Nothing says I love you to a girl like SHOES. Ask one of her close friends if there’s a pair of heels she’s had her eye on. Wrap the box with a note saying “wear these tonight” placed inside.
WARNING: You might also need to invest in a bottle of wine to bribe the friend not to blab!














Make a variety of cards for the days he or she needs a little pick me up!