Sugar and Spice and Everything…
Angela Beck
Gingerbread houses! Making gingerbread houses is one of those holiday traditions that is an event in and of itself (hello, cozy family gathering), results in homemade holiday décor (hello beautiful table centerpiece) and produces the most festive scent (hello wafts of gingerbread whenever you pass). Depending on your level of craftiness, you can really go for it and make your own gingerbread, roll and cut the pieces for a custom home, OR you can buy kits with the house sides pre made and cut. As everyone knows, the toppings are the star of the show… Read on for our favorite gingerbread house decorations and pre-made house kits
Gingerbread House Toppings
Icing
Pre-made kits never come with enough icing (the glue that holds the house and decorations together), so it’s imperative to have extra.
Lifesaver Windows
Put any house sides with window openings on a foil-lined cookie tray with the “outsides” facing up. Pour a good amount of crushed lifesavers pieces into the window and bake in the oven or toaster oven until the candy is melted.
Gum Drop Roof Tiles
It wouldn’t be the holidays if you didn’t have gum drops in the house. I like to use a single color for roof decorations.
Mini Candy Canes
Miniature candy canes facing each other can make sweet heart shapes for the side of your house.
Marshmallows
Three big marshmallows stacked make for adorable snowmen, while mini marshmallows can be used as shrubs or to make a walkway.
Pro Tip: Use a muffin tin to organize decorations.
Gingerbread House Kits
Trader Joes
If you’re lucky enough to have a local Trader Joe’s, this is a go-to because of its adorable A-frame house shape and included gingerbread tree.
Williams Sonoma
Williams Sonoma offers a classic kit but also special versions of gingerbread houses including one designed by Dolly Parton inspired by her childhood home! (It’s adorable.)Dylan's Candy Bar
Unsurprisingly, the emphasis for this gingerbread house kit is on the candy—which includes some delish gummies.
Show us your gingerbread houses and don’t forget to shop the Christmas topiary collection!
