I’ve always had a thing for gingerbread houses. The design possibilities are endless, and it’s so much fun to gather the supplies and candy and let your imagination take over.
For several years I made gingerbread houses every year with our grandson which I showed you here and here, but children get older and the enthusiasm for these types of crafts often wanes.
But my love for them hasn’t.
So when I learned there was a gingerbread house exhibition I grabbed a friend and off we went.
This beautiful cake greeted us upon entering the historic library building where the exhibition was taking place. Yes, I know it’s not a ‘house’, but I simply couldn’t leave it out of this post. Isn’t it lovely?
There were well over 235 houses that were displayed. Anyone that wanted to take part in the event was welcome to do so…children of all ages, professional bakers and anyone in between.
The vast majority of the houses were traditional like this one…
but there were many that defied tradition with fabulous results, such as this one…
and this one…
and this one…
Many of the artists choose a specific theme. In this case, it was ‘Thanksgiving Dinner’, with all the trimmings, made from using marzipan.
This Donut Shop, with adorable donuts painstakingly handmade, stole my heart. I remember using small shredded wheat for a roof one year too!
I love the use of mini marshmallows for snow. I think I’ll have to steal that one.
When we first walked into the building, there was a lovely Christmas tree just in front of the staircase that had a contemporary topper that I thought was really creative and dramatic. The silver plume is nothing more than ornamental grass that was spray painted. With the addition of a few other decorative elements and a sparkly bow, it all came together beautifully.
Have you ever made a gingerbread house? I usually buy the house already made because let’s face it, the fun part is decorating it. 🙂
In other news…
There’s no shortage of things to do this time of year, is there? This is us at an antique car show a couple of weeks ago in Stockbridge, which takes place every year. (Some of you saw a few pics on Instagram or Facebook.)
We made those cookies I mentioned last week and they were super easy and good. If you like the idea of baking but hate the mess, these cookies are just the ticket. With these cookies, you can focus on the fun part of making cookies…cutting out the shapes and decorating them, so they’re perfect for kids to do too.
[yumprint-recipe id=’25’]BAM is here, and we’re gettin’ ready to hit the road. I probably won’t have another post before Christmas, so let me leave you with this…
Donna says
Wow, those are some serious gingerbread houses!
darrielle Tennenbaum says
Love the gingerbread houses! My fav is the red birdies one.
tammy j says
oh house honey!
what a delightful experience you’ve shared with us! each one so imaginative and colorful and happy!
I felt like I was five years old. can’t decide which one is my favorite. actually the tree topper might be! LOLOL.
and the first one looks like some kind of wild enchanted CASTLE!
I always like to see how the white house chef outdoes himself from the year before. last year bo stood in front.
and the program talked about how much it weighed… and transporting all those hours of WORK! without dropping it!!!
wonder if one has ever been dropped! xoxoxo♥
Cyn says
I can’t believe I have yet to try and make one! I think this post might have pushed me over the edge, but not sure I can fit one in this late in the game.lol I’m dealing with random sets of lights going out, one by one. Argh!! (Right in the middle of the main tree is the pits right now.lol)
Speaking of toppers….mine is pretty similar to that one, and my sister said it reminds her of the Mummers! I kinda like that. 🙂
Have a great Holiday! Happy New Year!
handmade by amalia says
What a labor of love! My favorite is the third from the top, I could happily live there.
Amalia
xo
Julie says
Hello Doreen,
What gorgeous gingerbread houses. You are always doing such fun things. Take care and have a Merry Christmas.
Julie xo
Mary-the boondocks blog says
I have to say those houses were more like works of art than just simple baked goods. Absolutly scrumptious! I will see you again in the new year as I’m going to take some time off and rest up a bit. Blogging is so exciting at this time of year but it can also be overwhelming, and I think it’s time for me to focus on the people that mater the most. Merry Christmas to you and yours Doreen!
Rita C at Panoply says
Hi Doreen, first of all, let me wish you a Merry Christmas and hopeful New Year! Enjoy your break. These gingerbread houses fascinate me, though I’ve never created one. The December issue of HGTV magazine had a great editorial, noting a gingerbread house contest between the HGTV team and Food Network. I loved how HGTV used Black Jack chewing gum for its shingles on its house!
Doreen says
There’s so much potential for creativity with these houses, most notably the roofs. I didn’t see that contest. I bet it was awesome!
Merry Christmas!
Cecilia says
I love the gingerbread houses. No, I’ve never made one. Now I’m wondering why? Hm. Anyway, I love all the different ones but my favorite is the second one – so cute and storybookish. 🙂
Merry Christmas to you too. Enjoy your travels.
Hugs,
Cecilia
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Hi Doreen,
Love all the pretty gingerbread homes. We are making one with our 5 year old granddaughter tomorrow. She loves to do this each year. So much fun. Have a very Merry Christmas.
Kris
AnnMarie says
Wow, those gingerbread houses are phenomenal! A local museum has a similar show this time of year and it is crazy what people can do with food! I got such a twinge when you mentioned Stockbridge. I love that town and we were there this past summer for a day. My girlfriend Cindy owns the Swiss Hutte in Hillsdale….do you know it?
Doreen says
I have never been to her place Ann Marie, although I’ve heard of it! I should take the drive there one day and check it out. I know her restaurant is open to the public.
Debbie from MountainMama says
What a fun display!! I would have so enjoyed that outing – and now I’m thinking forward to next year and possibly creating my own gingerbread creation!! What fun!
Have a safe trip, my friend, and a Merry Christmas.
Peace to you – xo
Donna says
U guys look great. Happy trails!
Brenda Kula-Pruitt says
And right back at you for Christmas sentiments! These are beautiful. But I have never dared to make one. I am clumsy as it is and like a bull in a china cabinet. I fear it would be a disastrous endeavor.
Brenda
Kim says
Merry Christmas, Doreen! I used to make them with my classes each year….vats full of royal icing and graham cracker covered milk cartons. Hardly the pretties you have featured, but cute nonetheless! We make one each year with the kids. Fun!
Doreen says
I’m sure that was fun Kim! Kids love doing gingerbread houses.they especially like the ‘eating’ part ;).
Rose L. says
Great gingerbread homes! Love the truck! Enjoy your holidays!
Vickie says
Oh how fun the gingerbread show would be to attend! The artists did an amazing job, and I’m pretty impressed with those cute little donuts, too. I’ve got a Pinterest board with gingerbread ideas, and next year I WILL make a house and some cookies. No big projects right before Christmas- I’ve learned my lesson.
I’ll be using your cookie recipe next time we watch our grands. You are a fun grandma!
Safe travels and Merry Christmas!
Vickie
Jane says
These are incredible little gingerbread houses! I would have snapped a ton of pictures and then had a hard time picking which to post. You do seem to have a lot of fun stuff to do in your area.
Thanks for the recipe, it sounds very cool. I have to make a list or at least narrow down what I need to bake. I had lofty plans! lol!
Have fun on your trip—it sounds like such fun! And Merry Christmas!!
Jane x
Magali@TheLittleWhiteHouse says
Some amazing creativity shown in those gingerbread “houses”! Happy holiday season to you!
Cindy says
These were gorgeous my friend, such talent out there. John and I used to go to car shows often. We are car junkies. He would have loved that truck behind you in the picture. Have a Merry Christmas my dear friend.
Hugs,
Cindy
Doreen says
He would totally have loved it Cindy. There were probably over a hundred vintage cars, ranging from trucks to vintage fancy cars (can’t remember the names right now) and everything in between. Thanks so much and as soon as the dust settles I’ll stop by. We’re literally packing up right now and the clock’s a tickin’! xxx
Benita says
Gorgeous, every last one of them!! I’ve never in my life made a gingerbread house. I think I am much too anal and would keep trying to rebuild it over and over until it all just fizzled away…LOL I hope you have a most wonderfully blessed Christmas! Hugs to you!!
Cindi says
I’ve never really thought about gingerbread houses except for the image of Martha Stewart making a perfect one on her show a long time ago.
But after seeing this! I want to make one! LOL!
How delightful!
Thanks for this post!
😀 😀 😀
Safe travels and Merry Christmas!
XOXOXO
Amy @ StowandTellU says
I never knew there were so many ways to make gingerbread houses, let alone a whole “house tour”. LOL. These are amazing and it had to be a blast to go and see this tour in person. Love them all. Pinning and sharing. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you Doreen! xo
Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow says
These houses are just amazing! 🙂 I’ve never made one, no…just gingerbread men 🙂
Kimberley says
Hi Doreen,
All of the gingerbread houses are beautiful, so creative!
Loved the photo of you two at the car show, and the car you are in front of is dreamy – would love to own that, wreath and all! 😉
The cookie recipe looks amazing and I have saved that one for next year!
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and 2016!
Hugs, Kimberley
kelly says
I think gingerbread houses are so cute! I used to make them when the kids were little. I’ve since stopped that tradition. They don’t care anymore. Those creations are quite elaborate!
Doreen says
Same here Kelly. It might be something I’ll start up again someday with another grandchild who shows an interest, but not likely. Oh well…it was fun while it lasted. Merry Christmas to you!
SharonFromMichigan says
Doreen – What a wonderful display to look at! Thank you for the “eye candy” (pun intended! LOL)!!
Have a Merry Christmas & a safe and Happy New Year!!!
Doreen says
Hope you’re enjoying your first Christmas as an official retiree Sharon, and may 2016 bring you many good things!
xxx
Sue says
I scrolled up and down and am the most in love with the Donut Shop. Thanks for the great tour of these adorable gingerbread houses that I think I will pin to save for inspiration. Have a wonderful trip and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Poppy says
How adorable these gingerbread houses all are! I am already in that little village with the town train taking me to sugary havens, where heaps of sweets are the perfect treats, and so okay to eat, it being the season! You must have really enjoyed your visit to this display of pretty eye candy. I’ve never made a gingerbread house, although I have a hunch that I might actually build some half decent digs which of course would be instantly demolished by monstrous, mouthwatering mouths!
Merry Christmas, Doreen, you Biscotti Queen!
xxx
Poppy
rue says
All those houses and even the cake were wonderful, Doreen. My favorite has to be the donut shop though 🙂
That’s a really cute picture of you and your husband.
I hope you have a very merry Christmas, my sweet friend.
Love and hugs to you,
rue
Rowhomesandcobblestones says
I have never seen so many delightful ginger bread houses before! Wishing you and your family a most wonderful Christmas celebration and a Happy New Year.
xo
Feral Turtle says
I love gingerbread houses!! People are so freakin creative. I am pinning that cookie recipe as it sounds like it is right up my families alley with the cayenne. Wanted to pop by and wish you and your family a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!! Hope this season is full of family and friends and a great New Year to you too! Cheers.
Amy @ Ms. Toody Goo Shoes says
You have the most interesting things to do in your area, Doreen! I’ve never made a gingerbread house, but I enjoyed your tour. Love the donut shop! The hotel I’m staying in has a large gingerbread house on display. Not edible, but I heard a little girl say, “Oh, I would love to live in there!” The cookies sound good, especially with a pinch of cayenne. May have to try them!
Pattie @ Olla-Podrida says
What great fun! I love gingerbread houses. I have only ever made one in my life and it was when I was in high school as an entry into the International Fair when I was in German class. It was such a total disaster with the roof sliding off that my dad had to drill holes in the roof and insert dowel rods to keep it from collapsing.
Red Rose Alley says
Oh my gosh, these gingerbread houses are amazing! I just had a gingerbread cookie with my Starbuck’s coffee the other day. That little bird house is sooooo cute, Doreen. I should make one of these next year!
~Sheri
Vashti Quiroz-Vega says
Hi Doreen! I loved this post. It is a treat for the eyes. I have a thing for gingerbread houses too, although I’ve never made one. I’m going to try that cookie recipe sounds scrumptious. I hope you had a lovely Christmas Eve and Day. 😀 xx