Festive Tips from the Experts at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole

As the holiday season approaches, the team at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole is excited to share expert tips for making this festive season truly memorable. Learn secrets for simple sides and desserts, tips for turkey perfection, tabletop setting solutions and simple ways to carve out time for self-care.

Rhonda Ashton, Executive Pastry Chef

• Now is not the time to try a fancy new recipe! The holidays can be stressful enough. Basics are best, but execute them perfectly and don’t skimp on high-quality ingredients.
• Try to make as much as possible beforehand. If making a pie, the dough can be made in advance and frozen. Pull from the freezer the day before you want to use it and defrost in the refrigerator. Even cheesecakes and cakes can be frozen ahead of time, and decorated on the day of the event.
• Plan your menu ahead, and write down a list of steps, for the days prior and day of the event. This way it will be easy to divide tasks, and feel more organized.
• Don't overcomplicate things – the goal to spend time with your guests.  Today is probably not the day to serve a hot soufflé for dessert. Timing can be tricky for a crowd.

Caitlin Smith, Director of Events

• Be creative and have fun with décor already in your house. That platter on display can turn into an artful tower of treats. Bowls turned upside down can help elevate a centrepiece.
• Go ahead and mix new pieces with sentimental or inherited pieces. It looks modern and fresh to mix and match.
• Candles and flames help warm up a space, and create cozy patterns of light.
• The holidays are the perfect time to be colourful; time to break out the festive patterns and experiment with bold linens.

Michael Lishchynsky, Executive Sous Chef

• When cooking a turkey, I always recommend brining it overnight. This will keep the bird juicy, tender and moist. It is worth the extra effort!
• A great way to elevate any holiday party is to kick off the celebration with bubbles and caviar. Splurge on the expensive Champagne. Serve the caviar with traditional accompaniments such as shallots, crème fraiche, chives and egg yolks, along with bellinis, toast points and plain salted kettle potato chips. Another great tip with caviar is to serve it atop devilled eggs as a simple, elegant starter.
  
• I like to take classic side dishes and elevate them during the season. Instead of plain macaroni and cheese, I serve truffle ricotta cavatelli. Another favourite is a simple root vegetable tarte tatin. The perfectly roasted and caramelized root vegetables – set in a buttery, flaky crust – will make your guests excited to eat those forgotten root vegetables.

Kimberly Jenkins, Spa Director

The holidays are commonly a time for gathering and social interaction. Large parties or even small celebrations, while exciting, can sometimes create a sense of anxious energy. Whether hosting an event or attending one, don't forget to take a moment for yourself in preparation. Here are tips for maximizing fun and self-care this season:

• Try to maintain your routine. While you may be adding time to cook, clean, prep for celebrations, don’t cut back on your time to sleep, exercise, or eat a nutritious meal. Those are the cornerstones of what you need to fuel your body and mind throughout the season.
• Schedule time to relax. Whether before, in the middle, or after an event, schedule time to detach completely. This can be a moment of self-meditation, a fitness class, or an appointment at the spa.
• Self-mood checks. Energy levels are a lot like your gas tank – they need to replenish. Take time to refuel during parties. That can mean stepping away for a moment of silence, or finding a friend that can give you a “boost.” Uplifting aromas can even be a great recharge such as peppermint or citrus.