How to Throw an Octoberfest Party...Robbins Style

On October 6th, I headed back to the USA to have some quality time with the Robbins family during our biennial Octoberfest at Piseco Lake. Since we had just been to Oktoberfest proper, in Munich, I brought some props.  It was a pleasure to have family all together from Austin and LA, Long Island, Connecticut, and upstate NY!

Here's how to throw an awesome Adirondack Octoberfest: Robbins Style!

Start with a night of homemade pizzas. Always use some Adirondack-inspired ingredients!

Add a nice, light dessert like German Chocolate Cake.

Breakfast should always be healthy. You need to get your energy levels up for the big Octoberfest party! Nanny's Shoefly Pie should do the trick.

When you are ready to kick-off your Octoberfest party, add a little German beer-stein to your beer bottles to make the party more festive!

Then, start the party off right with a Riesling taste-test! This bottle (#4) won. 

Where do you think it was from?

a) Germany

b) France

c) United States

d) Austria
 

If you have access to a traditional felt German hat, you must wear it. Don't forget to stare at the tartiflette while it cooks over the coals.

 You may be shunned from the family if you don't fill your plate up like this...

Set the table with a pretty homemade centerpiece!

 It's always fun to dress your family members up in funny, German outfits to get in the spirit!

Always share your warmest clothes with others when they get cold!

 If the weather holds, eat outside (if you can find a table for 17!) and enjoy the view!

And always take some time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the party!

 The next day, you may feel full (and, let's face it, a little hungover). But that's no excuse to sit inside on a beautiful day! Go out for a light hike to see the fall foliage.

Even little Gaby was up for a hike!

And if you prefer biking, try that instead.

If you follow these steps, your next family Octoberfest is sure to be a good time!

 

And the winner was....

c) United States!

This bottle of riesling surprised us all. It's from a small vineyard in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York! The French wine came in second, followed by the Austrian and German wines.