Williams Sonoma Fall Pie Bird

A pie bird is one of those charming, old-fashioned baking tools that still earns its spot in the kitchen drawer. This one from Williams Sonoma gives the classic a fall twist: a little white bird perched on a bright orange pumpkin, all in glossy glazed ceramic. At 3 1/2 inches tall and 1 3/4 inches across, it peeks out of the top crust just enough to make your pie look like it came from a storybook bakery.

So what does a pie bird actually do? Its hollow body works as a steam vent. Set it in the center of a double-crust pie before baking, and steam escapes through the bird’s beak instead of forcing its way out the edges, which helps minimize leaks and keeps the top crust crisp. It’s a natural fit for juicy apple, cherry, and berry pies, and it works just as well for a savory chicken pot pie. The ceramic is oven safe to 400°F, dishwasher safe, and made without BPA, PFOA, and PTFE.

Good to know: It’s rated to 400°F, so check your recipe before you bake, since some pies start out hotter than that. Very juicy fillings can still bubble over a bit, so it’s smart to bake on a rimmed sheet pan, too.

Styling tip: Leave the bird in place when the pie comes to the table. It’s a sweet, conversation-starting centerpiece for a Thanksgiving table or a Friendsgiving dessert spread, and it makes a lovely hostess gift tied to a pie server. Looking for more seasonal inspiration? Browse our Thanksgiving ideas and fall ideas.