For the pie dough, I 10/10 recommend using refrigerated pie dough. It comes 2 to a box, so I gave everyone 1, and then had a few extra in case anyone needed extra for their pie crust decoration. 
For the pie crust decorating, I just laid out a variety of tools. Rolling pins, pastry cutters, and mini cookie cutters, so everyone can get creative.
They take about 55 minutes to bake, so I had everyone get started once they all arrived. Once the pies are in the oven be sure to set your timer! Then everyone can mingle and eat.
The Pie Station Table
- FREE printable downloads: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cEvj4TUPeB47WyC9CuHNW24TY_iCP2fn?usp=sharing
- "Pies before guys" banner printed on 11/17" paper and matted on kraft paper
- Instruction card, lattice how to card, and pie inspo card, 1 per guest
- "Pies before guys" gift tag to tie around pie server favor or tape on pie box, 1 per guest
- Apple pie filling cup label, printed on Avery 5160 labels, 1 per guest
- Serving tray: https://a.co/d/acFtMRn lined with parchment https://a.co/d/7rQUfQF, 1 per guest
- Refrigerated pie dough (comes 2 per box, I gave each guest 1, plus had a few extras on hand to use as needed): https://a.co/d/8O2xAbF
- 6x1 inch pie pan- disposable https://a.co/d/7zqYxJH, decorative https://a.co/d/g2dzWUw, white ceramic https://a.co/d/f7yExil
- Sharpie for guests to label their pie pan
- Mixing bowl, 1 per guest, plus discard bowls: https://a.co/d/4ETQqjB
- Spoons for mixing and knife for cutting crust: https://a.co/d/aJTOFP9
- Napkins: https://a.co/d/dW8m9vQ
- 1 granny smith apple and 1 honey crisp apple + 1 teaspoon lemon juice, per guest
- Option 1, everyone peels, cores and slices their own apples and adds lemon juice: Apple peelers bulk: https://a.co/d/3Q6sgRi and Knives, or corer/slicer: https://a.co/d/3KIqIve, 1 tsp measuring spoons
- Option 2, prep apples ahead: peel, core and slice apples, add to mixing bowl and toss in 1 teaspoon lemon juice. (Do this no more than 1 hour before the party so the apples do not brown.)
- Pie filling mixture cups, 1 per guest (add FREE printable label linked above): In a 6-8oz disposable cup add 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon flour, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- Mini rolling pins: https://a.co/d/3Y7Qzo2
- Pie pastry wheels: https://a.co/d/iNVkfTc
- Mini cookie cutters (you can get an assortment of shapes in the theme you want): https://a.co/d/iOXaYOV
- Egg wash for brushing on crust before baking (I did 2 beaten eggs with a splash of water for my 10 guests) + pastry brush for egg wash: https://a.co/d/54CQclC
- optional: matching aprons
- optional: prize for the best pie
Packaging To Take Their Pie Home
- 7" inch bakery boxes: white https://a.co/d/aZsE7Hj or brown https://a.co/d/hddEhE4
- Pie server favors: https://a.co/d/77gNQnG
- Twine: https://a.co/d/d5EOWL6
- Free printable gift tag linked above, with a sprig of rosemary or cinnamon stick, optional
Decor That Makes It Feel Like a Celebration
You only need a few touches to make everything feel festive. The vibe should feel warm, cozy, and a little vintage bakery inspired.
- Pumpkin pie garland: https://a.co/d/flbKL4c
- "Pies before guys" banner printed on 11/17" paper and matted on kraft paper: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cEvj4TUPeB47WyC9CuHNW24TY_iCP2fn?usp=sharing
- Table runner: https://a.co/d/8Sl9Sdo
- Amber bud vases: https://a.co/d/3Rpqbsw
- Fill the table with eucalyptus, small flowers, and apples and decorative pumpkins for fall/holidays, or hearts for Galentine's day
Apple Pie Mimosas
The easiest signature drink ever.
- Champagne
- Spiced apple cider
- Cinnamon sugar rimmed glasses
Add an ice bucket with water, sparkling water, and non alcoholic options.
A Pie Inspired Charcuterie Board
- I served a cheese board with my pie cheese and crackers recipe: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQ1tfPHjanL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Bamboo plates: https://a.co/d/a7YfBKA
- Napkins: https://a.co/d/dW8m9vQ
How To Run the Party Step by Step
Set up each place setting with a tray. Have pie dough decorating tools on the side.
Welcome everyone with a drink and let them choose their seat. Get started as soon as everyone arrives because bake time is not short.
-
Show the instruction card and how to use the lattice card or cookie cutters for creative designs. Make sure everyone writes their name on their pie tin.
-
Pass around egg wash for those finished.
Bake pies all together on baking sheets (it takes 55 mins). Cover each with foil for the first 25 minutes. SET YOUR TIMER! Continue baking. Enjoy snacks or lunch.
-
Once cooled, box up pies using the bakery boxes, twine, tag, and rosemary or cinnamon stick.
-
Let guests take photos with their creations and get a group pic.
Tips to Make It Extra Cute
-
Add a “Pies Before Guys” playlist. Think cozy coffee shop fall vibes.
-
Give a small prize for the most creative, best looking pie.
-
Provide aprons for a cute photo opp.
The Mini Apple Pie Recipe (if you want to recreate it)
This is the exact recipe we used for every guest. Simple, delicious, classic.
Line a 6x1 inch mini pie tin with refrigerated pie dough. Trim extra dough and fill the tin with all of your apple mixture (it will be a dome, but will bake down in the oven and shrink once cooled). Add your top crust, making sure to leave space for steam to vent. Brush with beaten egg.
Cover the top with foil and bake at 400 degrees F for 25 minutes. Remove foil, reduce oven to 375 degrees F, and bake another 30 minutes until golden. Let cool so the filling thickens. Enjoy!
