The holiday season is approaching, and a beloved tradition is building and decorating gingerbread houses. Whether you are a seasoned decorator or a beginner, having helpful tips can enhance your gingerbread house without compromising festivity and charm. From choosing suitable materials to adding those final details, here are gingerbread house decorating tips and tricks to make this year’s celebrations unforgettable.
Choose the Right Icing for the Job
The foundation of a strong gingerbread house is icing, also known as royal icing. This type of icing dries hard and holds the gingerbread pieces together. To make your royal icing, use powdered sugar, egg whites, and a touch of lemon juice or cream of tartar. Use a thicker consistency to ensure that candies and other embellishments stay in place for decorations. A piping bag with a fine tip is perfect for applying intricate details, while a larger opening is excellent for foundational structures.
Use Canned Goods for Support During Assembly
One of the complex phases of decorating a gingerbread house is assembling the walls and roof. A helpful trick is to use canned goods to support the walls while the icing dries. Place cans around the exterior to hold the pieces in place, ensuring the walls remain upright as the icing hardens. This hack prevents collapsing walls and gives you more confidence during the assembly process. Once the icing is set, you can remove and decorate the cans.
Utilize a Variety of Candies for Visual Interest
Candy selection is crucial when decorating a gingerbread house. Mixing different shapes, colors, and sizes of candies creates visual interest and adds character to your design. Use gumdrops, peppermint swirls, licorice, and chocolate buttons to bring color and texture to your gingerbread house. You can also use colored sprinkles or nonpareils for delicate details like windows and pathways. The key is to plan your design and consider how different candies can complement each other.
Decorating a gingerbread house is a holiday craft that brings family and friends together, shares creativity, and creates lasting memories. Contact us at The Christmas Palace for more helpful tips and tricks on building a structurally sound gingerbread house. We leverage extensive expertise and knowledge to ensure your gingerbread house is a festive masterpiece to be admired and enjoyed throughout the holiday season.
