Now that the holidays are near, you’re going to need to know how to set up these pie table ideas for a party. I’ve got you covered with a FREE printable pie bar sign, and a tips for designing dessert tables. You can set this pie bar up in 5 easy steps!
How to Set Up a Pie Table in 5 easy steps
When it comes to dessert, I think there are cake people, and then there are pie people. I am a Pie person!
I love the crust and all the variations of fillings and textures and flavors. It’s only natural I would want to set up a pie bar for holiday entertaining.
For this pie bar I’m making it easy on the hostess (me) and serving a trio of Edwards Desserts. This is an excellent way to start out if you’re a first time hostess, have unexpected guests, or you just want to be smart and save time.
STEP 1 – Style a Pretty Pie Table
Styling a holiday pie bar is half the fun of entertaining. Deciding what colors, patterns, and themes to use is such fun for a visual person like my self.
- For a holiday table, use a plaid throw as a table topper that can take you from Halloween all the way through the New Year.
- Flowers add an elegant accent but aren’t overly formal. See my secrets to flower arranging here.
- To add interest to the wall a whimsical deer with a scarf wrapped around his neck hangs as a nod to the season. You could also hang a wreath above the table and change it depending whether it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas entertaining.
- Use risers and pedestals to add height to the pie buffet. This keeps the eye moving and is more pleasing than having everything flat on the table.
- Include a fall cocktail or signature drink. Some good choices would be my spiced apple pie cocktail, or hot Russian tea.
STEP 2 – Offer a Variety of Pies
Okay, I know this sounds like a no-brainer but I’ve talked extensively about this in my basics of designing dessert tables.
- For this pie buffet I’m offering 3 pies in 3 very different flavor profiles. Edwards Hershey’s Chocolate Crème Pie is as classic as it gets. People LOVE chocolate and this pie is layered with vanilla crème and topped with chocolate chips, chocolate drizzle, and whipped crème rosettes. The chocolate cookie crumb crust is heaven.
- To balance the sweetness of chocolate, a fruit forward option is a must. Edwards Key Lime Pie is a party in your mouth and tastes like my homemade lime tartlets…but without the work!
- Finally, you need to add a taste of the season. A taste of the holidays! Edwards Pumpkin Crème Pie is the ideal dessert for this. It’s layers of cream cheese and warming pumpkin spice inside a vanilla cookie crumb crust and topped with whipped cream rosettes. It’s pure bliss!
PARTY TIP: A dessert table with a variety of choices has something for everyone and delights your guests.
STEP 3 – Decorate Pies you’ve Purchase
A stylish pie bar for a party includes attention to details like display methods and garnishes.
I’m all about the shortcuts when hosting. But that doesn’t mean you rest on your laurels. Elevate the presentation of thaw-and-serve crème pies by garnishing them with a few simple touches. Let the flavors be your guide.
- For the Key Lime pie I sliced thin wedges of lime and placed them in a circular pattern in the middle of the pie. A sprig of mint in the center finishes it off.
- The chocolate crème pie is already beautifully decorated. I simply added small pieces of chocolate bars to the top of the cake.
- To add a festive touch to the pumpkin crème pie I added a few small flowers and mint leaves. I think it looks just like a holiday or Christmas wreath, don’t you?
STEP 4 – Serve Pies in Decorative Dishes
Transferring your purchased pies to glass or ceramic pie pans makes your dessert table look more put together. I love using white or clear pie pans because they go with any style or color scheme.
- For this pie bar I was able to pop the frozen pumpkin creme pie out of its tin, and place it in a glass dish. I put it into the refrigerator until ready to use.
- I have a white pie dish that’s a little too deep for the pie to be placed directly inside. Instead, I laid a thin cloth in the bottom of the pie dish to add height. Then the pie sat on top of the cloth, inside the ceramic pie pan.
- In case you don’t have extra pie dishes, you can wrap the pie tin with a ring of greenery to soften the display.
PARTY TIP: You can even pop the pie out of the tin while it’s still frozen and place it directly onto a flat dish to serve.
STEP 5 – Add a Pie Bar Sign
I love using cute sayings and quotes in party decor, that express the mood of the occasion. I found this quote online and made a FREE printable sign that can be framed and placed on your pie bar. You can download and print the 8.5 x 11 Pie Bar sign here.
PARTY TIP: A printable sign for your dessert table can help pull a look together and add whimsy.
Pie Recipes for Entertaining
If you love pie as much as I do and you want to make your own to include in a pie bar, here are some delicious recipes.
Make the most of those blackberries with this scrumptious custard pie that's easy to make.
This indulgent pie combines the best of two worlds. Pecan pie and a hint of Kahlua!
Here's another family favorite pie recipe. It's full of sugar and butter so check your diet at the door.
This rich and indulgent chess pie will make all your chocolate dreams come true.
Every time I make this Biscoff ice cream pie I love it a little bit more. If you're a fan of the cookies, you're gonna love this frozen dessert.
This is our family's favorite traditional pumpkin pie for the holidays. It's so simple to make but oh so good!
This dump cake recipe is too good not to make. It combines the best of pie with the best of cake. Make in mini ramekins for in a full size baking dish.
When you're short on time you can make these easy mini fruit pies. The secret is that we use prepared pie filling and refrigerator crust. The fun is in the details - mini pie tins and crust cutouts!
Turn classic fruit pie into a sweet treat for kids that even the adults will love. Pie pops are a great party dessert.
Chris says
Oh that’s too bad, Monica. However, I just did a quick google search for “wire deer head” and a lot of options came up from Etsy and other home shopping sites. Give that at try!
Chris says
You’re so kind. Thank you!
I found the pedestal at HomeGoods. The base was actually black but I spray painted it gold. 😉
I’ve seen similar at World Market & Crate & Barrel.
Chris says
I agree, Linda – easy for the holidays!
Thanks so much for your sweet comments!
Chris says
Thank you so much! Everything tasted amazing!
Monica says
Thank you for getting back with me on the Deer head sculpture. I have looked all over World Market website with zero luck in finding him for order. Either he is no longer available or I am searching in the wrong categories. He sure is cute!
Funny girl says
You have absolutely gorgeous taste! And wonderful ideas! Where did you find the stunning wood and gold lift the pies are on?
Linda says
Wonderful ideas, and easy too, which is what we all need during the busy-ness of the holidays. Love the printable too. I enjoy your fun, easy posts and get lots of great entertaining ideas. Keep them coming!
Danijela says
I love what you have done here!
Chris says
Thanks Bird! Those pies are so good!
Chris says
I agree, Monica. I found this one at World Market, but here’s an array to check out also https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=as_li_ss_tl?url=search-alias=garden&field-keywords=deer+head+&linkCode=ll2&tag=celeathome-20&linkId=7a79644c44f5a991c2978e7c0b367136&language=en_US
Bird says
Those pies look divine!! I love how your styled the bar, so chic!
Monica Estes says
I Love the idea of the wire deer head instead of the traditional wreath. Do you mind telling where one might find a whimsical head like that? That would be easily changed out with the holidays!