National Pie Day

was Friday, January 23rd. When I heard that, I couldn't resist doing an old-fashioned pie social. I sent homemade invitations out immediately and began pulling out the vintage aprons and tablecloths I had.

The following pictures aren't that great - we had a grey day and the only way to get a decent picture was by using the flash. Of course I didn't get as many pics as I'd hoped either.

My hubby, a landscaper, brought home little potted primroses that I used for centerpieces. I was originally going to use fresh cut flowers, but with a tiny budget, I thought these were pretty cute! I added vintage black and white photos found at thrift stores, vintage (and not so vintage) pie recipes, and some pie trivia to each centerpiece.

I asked ladies to bring their recipes and some showed up with their vintage cookbooks - how fun!

We had 27 people and 15 pies (2 showed up after these pics were taken). I told them they could double up if they wanted to. I imagined we'd have 10 apple pies or something like that, but I'm delighted to say that not one was the same! We had something for every taste bud - cream pies, fruit pies, chocolate pies, etc. I shouldn't have been worried because even if we'd had 10 apple pies, I realize now that each one would have still been different. I doubt anyone makes the same thing the exact same way.It's the first time I've ever done something that big without help from somebody so I was a nervous wreck. Thanks to the pie bakers and a couple of helpers (a whipped cream maker and Coralie who let me use some vintage recipes and a picture of her sweet mother) it was a wonderful success! It was the perfect pick-me-up to a grey January day!