PIE PARTY

No matter how you slice it, an old-fashioned pie party is a simple way to gather friends and family to savor the sumptuous holiday season. Pie is not only a staple of the Thanksgiving table, but it is a beloved year-round favorite. So why not make a party out of it?

Just think—a farm table in the middle of the woods covered in all different kinds of pies, wine, cider, and rustic decor surrounded by your favorite friends. Are you are starting to picture the wonderfulness a pie party can bring?

Host a pie party in your backyard, light a bonfire, and carve pumpkins. Or invite friends over to watch the big game, and delight everyone with a buffet of pies. Surprise your family with a pie party after Thanksgiving lunch, or treat your coworkers to a pie party in lieu of that awkward office holiday party. There are so many options to hosting this party . . . and, well, who doesn’t love pie?

THE MENU

Sweet potato, pecan, fudge, apple, pumpkin—nothing sparks debate like the question of which holiday pie is best. The conclusion? Let’s just say that I’ve never met a pie I didn’t like!

Don’t feel intimidated by the need to bake numerous pies. Invite friends and family to bake (or purchase and bring) their favorite pies. You’ll end up with a magnificent assortment of sweet and savory and maybe even a few new recipes. Likewise, think beyond the traditional pie and make hand pies, fried pies, mini pies, or pie pops. Make tags to label the different pie flavors, and be sure to have to-go containers on hand to send leftovers home with guests.

I also served warm apple cider and chose wine that paired well with sweets. Both kept guests warm as the afternoon turned into a chilly evening.

MAKE IT AHEAD

Homemade piecrust can be made weeks in advance and frozen (pages 116–117).

GET THE LOOK

I wanted this outdoor event to be rustic chic, so I decorated with candles displayed in mercury glass and incorporated natural elements like pinecones, acorns, cotton branches, cranberries, and pomegranates (all easily accessible and affordable). We lit a fire pit close by to warm hands and used wooden rounds to display candles and pies at varying heights to create a layered look.

When creating a party like this, your serving pieces should reflect the rustic charm of your theme. Use pieces that have silver, pewter, and copper accents. I decided to keep the decor white with just a touch of red. Whatever color scheme you choose, make sure that it will complement the natural colors of the pies—the stars of your party.

ENJOY THE PARTY!

This is the perfect event to encourage guests’ interaction by making it a potluck. You can invite everyone to bring something, have the party catered, or make all the pies yourself. Pies are easy to make ahead, and almost all are just as good served the day after they come out of the oven.