Lawson's Top 5 Must-Haves to the Perfect Wedding Reception

So he popped the question. Now what? The awestruck feeling came when he popped the question, but now you have to start planning!

 Let me help you by offering you the top 5 things you need at your reception so you don't leave anything out!

1. Serve a leisurely dinner. 

Instead of serving a fast paced three course meal, stretch dinner out over four or five smaller courses. Throw in a surprise between dishes. Maybe a funny toast from the crazy uncle or a short performance from talented person in your family. Doing such will make your guests feel like they are having a night on the town with dinner and show!

2. Play Danceable Music

Whether you have hired a DJ or a band, make sure you talk to the, before hand to discuss playlists, mood, and genres. Having a packed dance floor is a sign of a great party, so don't let the guest down with unsatisfying tunes! Now is not the time to show off your alternative taste in music. Play things people know like Madonna and let them dance!

3. Add a lounge to the reception

Instead of having your guests sit around the same dinner table all night, create a lounge space where people can mingle besides the dance floor. This way non-dancing guests can socialize and still be entertained. A change of environment will promote conversation. 

4. Have a game plan for kids

Keep the kids entertained and let the parents enjoy the night without their little rascals hanging on them. If you can swing it, hire a baby sitter to watch after the little ones in a space where they can color, watch a movie, and play with people their own age. If a baby sitter isn't in the budget, a kids table with candy and coloring books will do just as well. 

5. Plan seating assignments thoughtfully

This might sound obvious, but do think about it! Seat your guests with people they are familiar and will get along with! A well planned seating chart allows for  great conversation, social environment, and night of dancing.

The wedding reception is the grand celebration of your new life! It has to be perfect so take your time in planning and pay attention to details. Conversation, food, music, and entertainment are everything. By incorporating my top 5 reception must haves, your reception is sure to be one for the books!

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

Lawson

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Lawson's Buffet tips to Fantastic Food Displays

Buffets are a spectacular way to serve food at any size party. Big or small, a buffet-scape is the best way to creatively show off your food and the best part is they are hassle free! Easy clean up and your guests can serve themselves! Here are a few pointers for your next buffet.

1. Rather than spreading all the food out across the table, make the selection look abundant and plentiful by grouping it together. I call it layering. Add some florals or greenery at the ends of the table to make the display burst to life. Candle are great too! Big or small, a little fire element make a tablescape illuminate!

2. Keep the food pyramid in mind! Have a the option of vegetables, protein, salad, and a grain based dish in order to keep things balanced. In the summertime, salmon or swordfish is both refreshing and a lovely surprise for guests. Put a nice salsa sauce on the side and call it an evening!

3. Don't be afraid of surf n' turf. In case you are tight on space, a great way to serve this dish is by placing the fish and salad on one side of a center piece and then putting the meat and potatoes on the other. If you want to really shake things up and have multiples proteins, be sure to display them in different platters so the sauces and flavors don't blend. Offering an array of meats is the perfect way to lavish a party.

4.  If spacing permits, have a wine and cheese bar at the very end of the table. Have fresh plates and wine glasses wait for your guests so they can help themselves. Pick out cheeses that compliment the wine and even add a bowl of nuts. Grape and apple slices also go perfectly with an arangemen like this.

5. Is your buffet outside? Only uncover the food until right before serving. Make sure you have enough citronella candles and bug repellant to keep insects at bay. If you are in a mosquito ridden environment, set up the buffet in a space where they may be lessened, such as a patio, porch, or under a tent if you are having one. Try not to just set the buffet up in your yard where bugs are manifesting. 

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

Lawson

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Lawson Roberts' Posh Pool Parties!

Pool parties can be super blah or super Bad ASS!

 Make a splash by throwing one of the hottest pool parties by using some of my favorite decor, drinks, and poolside snacks! These ideas are easy to replicate and even more fun to enjoy. 

There are many ways to decorate your pool for a night time event and floating florals are one of them! Large and lovely, artificial or real, a floral element added to your pool scape will wow all of your guest. They will add a fresh and decorative look to your party.

The lighting for a pool party is crucial! This is the one element that that sets the mood and ambiance for the rest of the evening. By hanging string lights across and around the pool, the water will reflect the lights and make the entire scene glow. What's not to love? These fabulous lights come in large and small, but either size has can set the tone for a beautiful night. 

Selecting food and beverage for a pool party can be kind of tricky. Chips and dip get old after about 5 minutes, so for your next summer bash, try these Creamy Margarita Popsicles! They are easy to make and let be honest...who doesn't crave a margarita in the summer time? Just be sure to either serve them immediately or on a frozen platter of ice so they don't melt. 

No matter what drink you serve, whether it be punch, lemonade, or water, don't just use plain old ice cubes. Quench your thirst by adding fruit to the ice! All you need to do it place fruit or garnish, such as mint leaves, to your ice trays and freeze. This brings any drink to life with just this little splash of color. 

These strawberry shortcake kabobs are great for a pool party. They are easy to display and are a no hassle snack for guest to walk around the party with. 

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

Lawson

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Lawson's Guide to Fantastic Flowers

Centerpieces for a are the most stylish way to vamp up your table. Whether it be a wedding, summer picnic, or a chic lunch gathering, these simple DIY centerpieces are an awesome way to "wow" your guests. Here are some of my favorite ensembles which incorporate florals along with obscure items you surely have laying around the house. 

The Preppy Pineapple Centerpiece 

Hollow out a pineapple with a carving knife so there is enough space to tightly fit this lovely array of florals!

-Hot Pink Roses

-Ranunculus

-Bush Peonies

-Mini Calla

Revamping the Kitchen Canister 

Kitchen Canisters make for a great impromptu vase at a backyard country chic picnic. 

To replicate this floral display, mix tulips with wild flowers and group the blossoms at stem length. Make sure you leave enough green in the mix so the ensemble is full and lush!

Citrus Fruit Bouquet

Zest isn't the only way to use a citrus! By slicing a lemon width wise into 1/4 inch pieces, you can arrange the lemon against a glass water pitcher and add the flowers of your choosing! I enjoy using pink and purples florals which make the yellow really pop!

Inverted Wine Glasses with Tea Candles

By inverting a wine glass and a placing a simple tea candle on top, you can easily light up a table for a night time dinner party. Use a mirror to add a reflection and extra light.

For all things entertaining style, follow me, your entertaining expert for a look into all things chic and parties.

Lawson

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