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40 Sweet Gingerbread House Decorating Ideas for Lots of Christmas Fun
Check out these Pinterest-worthy ways to deck out the roof, windows and more with sweet treats.
Depending on how seriously your family takes the holiday season, there's one Christmas activity that might be a bit more of a competition than others. If you've ever sat down at a table with your siblings or cousins to craft the perfect gingerbread house from some gingerbread cookie cut-outs and gumdrop decorations, then odds are you've experienced the, "Who built the best gingerbread house?" question at the end of the activity. Whether your house is the one that always falls down first, or you're known for crafting exquisite outdoor decorations with various forms of candy, building a gingerbread house can be a fun, creative, and collaborative group activity to do during the holidays. Plus, if made from scratch, it can be a pretty delicious Christmas dessert as well.
If you're more familiar with the store-bought, build-it-yourself gingerbread houses, that's OK too, though. There are still ways to get creative with the decorations that don't require a lot of time or money. With a little prep work, decorating gingerbread houses with your friends or family can be a memorable activity that becomes a worthwhile holiday tradition. And hey, if there also happens to be a little competition involved (maybe the family matriarch or patriarch can vote on the best house?) that's pretty fun, too. To get you brainstorming for how to win best of show, here are 40 gingerbread house decoration ideas.
Gingerbread Village
Put your expert decorating skills to the test with this extravagant gingerbread village. The multiple small details make this particular design a little harder for kids but ideal for über artsy folks.
Gingerbread Train Cars
Though not technically a house, switch up your gingerbread fun with these gorgeously festive gingerbread train cars.
Gingerbread Polar Bears and Frosted Stars
Create a snowy gingerbread house worthy of the North Pole and finish it off with these adorable gingerbread polar bears.
Gingerbread Tree
Create a giant tree for your gingerbread display by following this recipe. Either stack all the gingerbread stars together or use them to create another detail in your gingerbread landscape.
Get the tutorial for Best Gingerbread Cookies.
No-Bake Gingerbread House
Make your gingerbread house and eat it too with this no-bake gingerbread house.
Mini Gingerbread Houses
Adding some teensy, tiny gingerbread houses to your gingerbread creation can add a really fun effect. Maybe one of them serves as a dog house, or a backyard, gingerbread shed? Get creative with this quick and easy tutorial.
Get the tutorial at Delish.
Gingerbread Cookies
If you're not interested in doing a whole 3D gingerbread house, this gingerbread cookies recipe offers an easier, equally fun (and creative) alternative.
Get the tutorial at Pioneer Woman.
Gingerbread Truck
Put a new spin on the gingerbread decorations with this colorful (and totally edible) tutorial.
Get the tutorial at Country Living.
These miniature gingerbread houses are designed to rest on the mug of a cup of tea or hot cocoa, and they're seriously adorable. You could easily find a way to use these as part of the decorations for your own gingerbread creations, too.
Gingerbread Cottage
This cottage may take a longer to create than some of the others, but the details and end result make it worth it. Just plan ahead and set aside a whole afternoon.
Get the tutorial at Country Living.
European-Style Gingerbread House
If you're looking to create a gingerbread house that has more of a European city feel to it, go for it! You can even get specific, like this tutorial from Adeline and Lumiere suggests.
Get the tutorial at Adeline and Lumiere.
Gingerbread Barn
Old McDonald had a farm, and now you can, too. This fun craft is perfect for the whole family.
Get the tutorial at Country Living.
Gingerbread House With Snowy Roof
Adding a whimsical, snow-covered roof effect to your gingerbread house is a great idea. It just takes a bit of technique to master.
Get the tutorial at Sugar & Charm.
Marranitos (Mexican Gingerbread Pigs)
Want to add some pigs to your gingerbread barn scape? Blogger Isabel Eats has you covered with this recipe for marranitos.
Get the tutorial from Isabel Eats.
Kit Kat Gingerbread House
Have you ever seen a more delicious-looking gingerbread house? This tutorial features a lot of Kit Kats, making for a tasty (and pretty!) gingerbread house creation.
Get the tutorial at Delish.
Rice Krispies Gingerbread House
Who says you can only make gingerbread houses from gingerbread dough? This creation changes things up in the best way.
Get the tutorial at Go Go Go Gourmet.
Vegan Gingerbread Cookies
For those looking to add some people to their gingerbread house decorations, but trying to stick to a vegan diet, this recipe from Love & Lemons is a real winner.
Get the tutorial at Love & Lemons.
Pretty Pink Gingerbread Shop
Make pink a Christmas color this year with this gorgeous gingerbread shop.
Get the tutorial at Sprinkle Bakes.
Gingerbread Hobbit Hole
Channel your inner bookworm with this fantastical gingerbread house that will transport you to Middle-earth.
Get the tutorial at Sprinkle Bakes.
Log Cabin Gingerbread House
It may look like there's no gingerbread in this piece of work, but there is! It's just hiding under the pretzels for a yummy sweet and salty combo.
Get the tutorial at Sprinkle Bakes.
Olivia Muenter is a freelance writer and former fashion and beauty editor who writes about fashion, beauty, lifestyle, relationships, travel, home decor, and more for Woman's Day and beyond. Her work has appeared in Bustle, Refinery 29, Glamour, Byrdie, Apartment Therapy, Philadelphia Magazine, and more. When she's not reading (or talking about reading on Bad on Paper, the bookish podcast she co-hosts), you can find Olivia working on her first novel, curating the perfect playlist, or shopping online.
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