One of Jenna’s favorite yearly traditions is Piesgiving. Around this time every year, Jenna and her family invite family and friends over to enjoy an entire potluck-style dinner of only pies. Sweet pies, savory pies, homemade pies, and store-bought pies–every pie imaginable for as far as the eye can see! It’s a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season and enjoy time with the people we love most. Thinking about having your own Piesgiving this year? We’re sharing tips, tricks, and three recipes for making your own pie (no matter your cooking style!).

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Step 1: Invite

Jenna likes to send a nice Paperless Post invitation to all of her guests a few weeks before Piesgiving. Be sure to give a quick explanation of what Piesgiving is to get everyone on the same page and encourage everyone to bring their favorite pie to share. The beauty of Piesgiving is that it scales to whatever size party you want to throw: in years past, Jenna has invited a crowd to come and celebrate; this year, she’s scaling it back in favor of a more intimate gathering. Both work!

Step 2: Set the scene

Preparing your home (or wherever you’re hosting) for a potluck-style dinner like Piesgiving is more of an art than a science. Since you won’t know exactly what pies will be arriving (it’s part of the fun!), it’s important to create an adaptable area for display and serving. 

Hostful Hack No. 45: Maximize Space. If you’re working with a small space, use existing furniture and structures to maximize your entertaining space. Dressers, consoles, and bookcases make for great self-service bars. Kitchen counters, peninsulas, and islands are perfect for buffet stations. Plan coffee table or lap-friendly meals guests can comfortably eat throughout your space if your dining area isn’t conducive. Expand your entertaining space to the outdoors by dressing folding tables with table linens and/or layering rugs, pillows, and blankets for additional dining and lounging.

Simplify hosting with our Hostful Hack Handbook

Jenna likes to set up her dining room table with cutting boards, cake stands, and pie servers so that her guests can place their pies upon arrival. Place a few seasonal pieces on the table to set a festive backdrop, but be sure to leave plenty of space for pies.

Warm wooden cutting boards

Marvelous marble

Pie accessories

Hostful Hack No. 38: Utilize decorative serveware. Allow decorative serveware to enhance your tablescape design while also highlighting your prepared dishes. An ornate bowl or platter can go a long way when they coordinate seamlessly with your table decor.

Simplify hosting with our Hostful Hack Handbook

Step 3: Make your pie(s)

Whether you love to cook or love to shop–or something in between–we have three recipes for Piesgiving pies to suit your Piesgiving contribution:

Mini pie gift box recipe

Halfway homemade chocolate Madeleine pie recipe

Hostful Hack No. 18: Nana’s Rule. According to our Nana, as long as your bed is made, your sink is empty and your bathroom is clean, your home is ready for guests.

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Dark chocolate pecan pie recipe

Step 4: Party

Once our loved ones have helped themselves to shepherd’s pies, chicken pot pies, apple pies, and chocolate pies, we love to have some fun group activities set up to keep the party going. Jenna sets up a bonfire outside in her yard and games inside for adults and kids to enjoy during her Piesgiving, but feel free to make it your own and find activities that suit the group you’re hosting! If you’re looking for suggestions, these are a few of Jenna’s family favorites:

Hap-Bee hosting!