THANKSGIVING ENTERTAINING TIPS WITH DISHING

Hillary Munro is a natural entertainer. She loves to cook, entertain and decorate, and with her business, Graze Living, she helps others create the perfect parties. So, who better to turn to for tips for creating the perfect Thanksgiving gathering than her? We asked her to share her ideas and here is her advice:

First things first. Set a beautiful table: Thanksgiving is the perfect occasion to spend a little extra time thinking about your table. It is the time of year to dust off all your fine china and family heirloom gravy boats to create an exquisite environment that sets the mood for your feast. Natural elements are essential to a Thanksgiving table. I love to hunt and gather for bits to add to my look: dried grasses, broad leaves, mossy branches and antlers add texture and creativity to your table.

Make it fun. Friendsgivings are common in a resort town like Jackson Hole, which usually means a more casual and playful group. I like to bring people together, and while my standard “high’s and low’s” game is great, why not think about what we are thankful for and share it with everyone. It’s an easy DIY project that even kids can participate in.

Offer a favor: Since gifting is part of my business, naturally I loving giving them, and while this is a bit more work, it is worth it in the end. Sending your guests home with a small token will make them feel special and have a memory of the time spent with each other. For fall celebrations, I tend to make gifts like homemade applesauce or fresh canned peaches with a natural embellishment and gift tag.

Always offer a seasonal cocktail: I always have fun experimenting with new bar recipes and creative drinks that our guests will love. This year I will be serving a cardamom Moscow mule in a copper cup!

Cardamon Moscow Mule

Ingredients

• 2 ounces vodka

• 1/2 ounce lime juice

• 4 ounces cardamom ginger ale

• lime wheel and pinch of ground cardamom for garnish

• (Cardamom Ginger Ale)

• 2 teaspoons of finely grated ginger

• 5 cardamom pods

• 1/2 cup evaporated cane sugar

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 cup sparkling water

Instructions

• Peel and finely grate the ginger. Set aside.

• Crack open the cardamom pods and grind the seeds using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Set aside.

• Add sugar and water to a small saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves.

• Add ginger and ground cardamom and simmer for 10 minutes.

• Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.

• Once the syrup has cooled, strain through a fine mesh strainer.

• Transfer to a large jar or bottle and add sparkling water.

• Keep the ginger ale chilled in fridge while you make the rest of your drink.

• To make the cocktail:

• Fill your cup halfway with ice. Add the vodka, lime juice, and cardamom ginger ale, then top off the remainder of your cup crushed ice.

• Cut a lime wheel and lay it on the top of the cocktail for garnish.

• Sprinkle a little ground cardamom on top of the cocktail for some added spice.

• Enjoy this delicious version of a classic in a copper cup!