Life
8 DIY Gingerbread Houses and Add-ons That Are Anything But Traditional
Now that the winter solstice is officially here, we can kiss those extra hours of daylight goodbye. And what better way to embrace these long December nights than with a crafty little DIY gingerbread house project? Sure, you could go the timeless edible house route, opting for the traditional lone A-frame gumdrop model — OR you could channel your inner Martha and accentuate your merry mansion with some creative holiday landscaping. So as you plan your gingerbread blueprints this year, consider a few of these non-traditional designs and festive add-ons. From snow to trees to size, these DIY gingerbread creations will be sure to keep you busy during the long winter nights.
Image: A Beautiful Mess
Gingerbread Walls
You can’t start decorating your gingerbread house until you actually have a gingerbread house. First, assemble your pieces. Blogger Molly Yeh breaks down the basics by sharing her no-fail gingerbread wall recipe at Food52.
Image: Molly Yeh/Food52
Gingerbread Marshmallow Fluff
Whether you’re using gingerbread or sugar cubes, something needs to hold your delectable structure together. In true DIY spirt, forgo the store bought icing and learn how to make your own mortar via Cookies and Cups.
Image: Cookies and Cups
Gingerbread Tree
Fortify your magical candy landscape with these easy DIY gingerbread trees, courtesy of Josie Jones.
Image: Josie Jones
Sugar Cube Candy House + Marshmallow Snowman
Delia swaps her gingerbread for sugar cubes, and then accentuates her sweet home with a delicious marshmallow snowman. Follow her DIY process at Delia Creates.
Image: Delia Creates
Gingerbread Men, Women, and Children
In true Christmas spirit, make sure there’s always room at the inn for these DIY gingerbread men, women, and children. See how Pastry Affair makes hers here.
Image: Pastry Affair
2D Gingerbread House
Who ever said gingerbread houses had to be 3D? The Simple, Sweet Life shows you how to execute the perfectly palatable 2D design.
Image: The Simple, Sweet Life
Gingerbread Bungalow
Apparently not all gingerbread men prefer snow — some would rather kick back with a vacation to Palm Springs. A Beautiful Mess forgoes all things traditional in favor of palm trees, sunshine, and a backyard pool.
Image: A Beautiful Mess
Traditional Gingerbread House
Can’t shake your vision of building a traditional gingerbread winter wonderland? We feel you — these adorable houses are classics for a reason. Just do yourself a favor and find a kit to help you out. The holidays are stressful enough as it is, don’t you think?
Image: terren in Virginia/Flickr
