How to Decorate Gingerbread Houses: Creative and Festive Holiday Activity
The holiday season is just around the corner, and one of the most enjoyable activities to do with family and friends is decorating gingerbread houses. Not only is it a fun and creative way to spend time together, but it also makes for a beautiful and festive decoration for your home.
Decorating gingerbread houses has been a popular holiday tradition for centuries, originating in Germany in the early 1800s. Today, it has become a beloved activity all over the world, with people of all ages and backgrounds participating in the fun.
Getting Started
Before you begin decorating your gingerbread house, you’ll need to gather all the necessary materials. This includes gingerbread house kits, icing, candy, and any other decorations you may want to use.
Once you have everything you need, it’s time to start assembling your gingerbread house. Follow the instructions provided in your kit, and make sure to let the pieces dry completely before adding any decorations.
Decorating Your Gingerbread House
Now comes the fun part – decorating your gingerbread house! Let your creativity run wild as you use icing and candy to create a festive and unique design. Whether you prefer a classic look or something more modern and whimsical, there are endless possibilities when it comes to decorating gingerbread houses.
- Use candy canes to create a festive walkway
- Add gumdrops and M&Ms for colorful accents
- Use shredded coconut for a snowy effect
- Create a miniature winter wonderland with plastic figurines and fake snow
Whatever decorations you choose, make sure to have fun and enjoy the process. Decorating gingerbread houses is a wonderful holiday activity that brings people together and creates lasting memories.
Choosing the Right Gingerbread House Kit
Gingerbread house kits are a popular choice for those who want to decorate their own gingerbread houses. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a gingerbread house kit:
Consider the Size and Complexity
Before purchasing a gingerbread house kit, it is important to consider the size and complexity of the project. Some kits are designed for children and are smaller and less complex, while others are more intricate and may require more time and skill to complete. If you are new to gingerbread house decorating, it may be best to start with a simpler kit and work your way up to more complex designs.
Check the Ingredients and Allergens
When selecting a gingerbread house kit, it is important to check the ingredients and allergens. Some kits may contain ingredients that you or someone in your family is allergic to. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the kit is made with high-quality ingredients that will not affect the taste or texture of the final product.
Look for Additional Decorations and Accessories
Some gingerbread house kits come with additional decorations and accessories, such as candy canes, gumdrops, and frosting. These extra items can help make your gingerbread house more festive and unique. When choosing a kit, consider what additional decorations and accessories are included and whether they fit with your desired theme or style.
| Factors to Consider | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Size and Complexity | Consider the age and skill level of the decorators. |
| Ingredients and Allergens | Check the ingredients list and ensure that there are no allergens. |
| Additional Decorations and Accessories | Look for kits that come with extra decorations and accessories that fit your desired theme or style. |
Preparing Your Gingerbread House
Gingerbread houses are a fun and creative holiday activity that is enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you are a seasoned pro or a first-time gingerbread house decorator, it is important to prepare your gingerbread house kit properly to ensure a successful decorating experience. Here are some tips to help you prepare your gingerbread house:
Unpack the Kit and Organize the Pieces
Before you begin assembling your gingerbread house, it is important to unpack the kit and organize the pieces. Make sure that you have all the necessary pieces and that they are in good condition. Check for any broken or damaged pieces and set them aside to be repaired later. It is also a good idea to sort the pieces by size and shape to make assembly easier.
Assemble the House with Icing
Once you have organized the pieces, it is time to assemble the gingerbread house. Use the icing that came with the kit to glue the pieces together. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully and use a steady hand. It is important to make sure that the house is level and sturdy so that it can support the weight of the decorations.
If you find that the icing is not strong enough to hold the pieces together, you can add a little bit of cornstarch to the icing to make it thicker. This will help the icing dry faster and hold the pieces together better.
Let the House Dry and Set
After you have assembled the gingerbread house, it is important to let it dry and set. This will ensure that the icing is strong enough to hold the weight of the decorations. It is recommended to let the house dry overnight, but you can also use a fan to help speed up the drying process.
Once the house is dry, you can begin decorating! Use your imagination and creativity to make your gingerbread house unique and festive. Have fun and enjoy this holiday tradition!
Decorating Your Gingerbread House
Once your gingerbread house is assembled and ready to go, it’s time to get creative with the decorations. Follow these tips to make your gingerbread house look festive and fun:
Choose Your Color Scheme and Theme
Before you begin decorating, decide on a color scheme and theme for your gingerbread house. This will help you stay focused and create a cohesive look. Some popular themes include:
- Traditional Christmas (red, green, and white)
- Winter wonderland (blue, white, and silver)
- Candy land (bright colors and lots of candy decorations)
Once you’ve chosen your theme, gather all the decorations you’ll need. This might include icing, candy, sprinkles, and other edible decorations. Lay them out on a table so you can easily see everything you have to work with.
Use Various Decorating Techniques
There are many different techniques you can use to decorate your gingerbread house. Here are a few ideas:
- Use icing to create snow on the roof and around the edges of the house.
- Add candy canes or gumdrops to the roof for a festive touch.
- Create a pathway leading up to the front door using small candies or sprinkles.
- Use pretzels or candy canes to create a fence around the house.
- Add a wreath to the front door using green icing and small candies.
- Create a chimney using chocolate bars or candy canes.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and try out different ideas. The more unique and personalized your gingerbread house is, the more fun it will be to decorate.
Add Final Touches and Details
Once you’ve decorated the main parts of your gingerbread house, it’s time to add the final touches. This might include:
- Adding a dusting of powdered sugar to create a snowy effect.
- Using icing to write a message on the roof or front of the house.
- Creating a garden around the house using green icing and small candies.
- Adding a small gingerbread person or animal to the front yard.
Remember, the details are what make your gingerbread house truly special. Take your time and enjoy the process of adding the finishing touches.
Conclusion
With these tips, you’ll be able to create a beautiful and festive gingerbread house that will impress everyone who sees it. So gather your supplies, put on some holiday music, and get decorating!
Displaying and Serving Your Gingerbread House
After all the hard work you put into decorating your gingerbread house, it’s important to display it in a way that will keep it looking its best. Here are some tips for displaying and serving your gingerbread house:
Choose the Right Location
When choosing a location to display your gingerbread house, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. First, you’ll want to make sure it’s in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which can cause the icing to melt and the candies to fade. You’ll also want to choose a location where it can be easily seen and admired by all your guests.
Use a Sturdy Base and Support
A sturdy base is essential for keeping your gingerbread house upright and stable. You can use a cake board, a platter, or even a piece of cardboard covered in foil. Make sure to secure your gingerbread house to the base with a generous amount of icing. If you’re worried about it tipping over, you can also use support structures such as toothpicks or pretzel sticks.
Serve and Enjoy
When it’s time to serve your gingerbread house, you can either let your guests dig in with their hands or use a knife to cut it into pieces. Just be aware that it may be difficult to cut through the hard gingerbread and candy. And don’t forget to enjoy all your hard work!
With these tips, you’re sure to impress your guests with your beautiful and delicious gingerbread house.