How to Throw a Pie Party

bon appétit magazine

Julia Bainbridge



It's a pie party!
It's a pie party!

Yes, a pie party. And why wouldn't you want to do this? We've got access to late-summer stone fruit for sweet ones, and fall is around the corner, beckoning us to make meals out of comforting, savory ones. Yes, pie. It's what's for dinner.

A Pie Party Expert's Tips for Throwing a Pie Party

This Is Not a Time for Facebook: Sure, says Bon Appétit tablet designer Patrick Janelle, Facebook is easy to use, "but you have a much better chance of having a good event and getting people to be responsive if you send out something more personal." Paper invites aren't required; an email works-just attach a fun image or something that will add visual interest.

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Convey Your Expectations-Without Adding Pressure: On the invite, let people know what they're supposed to bring-they should have all the information up front. But Janelle "also wanted everyone to be excited about what they were baking, so I left it open: people could bring savory or sweet, and if they didn't have time or didn't want to bake, they could bring booze (and I requested that they bring cider or whiskey)."

Do Take Some Time with the Guest List: "Think about the amount of space you have. I knew my backyard comfortably fits 25 people. I also knew I had a nice long table that could accommodate 15-20 pies. Knowing that not everyone would be able to attend, I overinvited-about 40 people-so that in the end, there were enough people to make it feel like a party and enough room so those people could move around comfortably. You're looking for that balance between enough people to give the space energy, but not so many that it feels crowded."

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Skip the Seats: "I specifically didn't want people to sit at the main table-it's a nice, long table that's meant for showcasing the pies. The minute people sit at the table, you lose the visual impact. I arranged several other groups of tables and chairs for people to sit and set down their drinks."

Stagger the Tables: Speaking of those tables, have some extras that can serve as 1) a bar and 2) a counter for utensils, plates, and napkins. "You want different stations to keep things organized, easily accessible, and pretty."

Offer More Than Pie: The judges need to taste the pies before everyone else demolishes them, so set out snacks. "Just easy, store-bought things are fine: pickles, cured meats, spicy nuts, olives, etc."

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Choose a Mixed Panel of Judges: "I wanted a range of people: Camille Becerra was chosen because she's a chef and I trust her palate. April Flores is a stylist, so she was coming at the pies from a more visual perspective. For the third judge, it was my goal to throw in a wild card and add to the entertainment value. Enter the Brothers Mueller, twins with a penchant of dressing alike. (And to everyone's surprise, including my own, they came in matching lab coats and red spectacles.)"

You Don't Need to Have a Prize (But It Sure Is Nice): "To me, one of the most important things about gatherings is keeping an element of excitement and surprise. When people see the prize and it's actually a nice thing, it makes them feel like the event was worth it-they're appreciative to have been invited to something that was really thought out. And what better prize for a pie baker than an apron?"

There Will Be Leftovers: "Warmed-up pie with some of those spicy nuts? That was a perfect breakfast the next morning."

Recipe: Classic Old-Fashioned Mixed-Apple Pie
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