Decorating a store-bought gingerbread house can be a fun and creative activity for the whole family. With a few simple steps and some basic decorating supplies, you can transform a plain gingerbread house into a stunning holiday masterpiece. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to decorate a store-bought gingerbread house, including tips and tricks to make your creation truly special.
Preparing Your Gingerbread House
Before you start decorating, it’s essential to prepare your gingerbread house. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Choosing the Right Gingerbread House
When selecting a store-bought gingerbread house, look for one that is sturdy and well-made. Avoid houses with broken or damaged pieces, as they can be difficult to work with. Consider the size of the house and the number of people who will be decorating it. A larger house may be more challenging to decorate, but it can also be a fun and rewarding project for a group.
Assembling the House (If Necessary)
Some store-bought gingerbread houses come pre-assembled, while others require you to assemble the pieces yourself. If your house requires assembly, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Make sure all the pieces are securely attached and the house is stable before you start decorating.
Preparing Your Decorating Space
Before you start decorating, make sure you have a clean and stable workspace. Cover your table with parchment paper or a plastic tablecloth to prevent messes. Gather all your decorating supplies, including icing, candies, and sprinkles, and have them within easy reach.
Basic Decorating Supplies
To decorate your gingerbread house, you’ll need a few basic supplies. Here are some essentials to get you started:
Icing
Royal icing is a crucial component of gingerbread house decorating. You can make your own royal icing using powdered sugar and egg whites, or you can purchase it pre-made from a craft store. If you’re using store-bought icing, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparing it.
Candies and Sprinkles
Candies and sprinkles are a great way to add color and personality to your gingerbread house. Choose a variety of candies and sprinkles in different shapes, sizes, and colors to create a unique and interesting design.
Piping Bags and Tips
Piping bags and tips are necessary for creating intricate designs and patterns with your icing. You can purchase piping bags and tips at a craft store or online.
Decorating Your Gingerbread House
Now that you have your supplies, it’s time to start decorating. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Step 1: Create a Base Coat
Begin by creating a base coat of icing on your gingerbread house. This will help the candies and sprinkles stick to the house. Use a piping bag with a large round tip to apply a thin layer of icing to the entire house.
Step 2: Add Windows and Doors
Use a piping bag with a small round tip to create windows and doors on your gingerbread house. You can also use a toothpick or a small knife to create details such as window panes and door handles.
Step 3: Add Roof Details
Use a piping bag with a large star tip to create a decorative border around the edges of the roof. You can also use a small round tip to create details such as roof tiles and chimney pots.
Step 4: Add Candies and Sprinkles
Now it’s time to add the fun part – adding candies and sprinkles to your gingerbread house. Use a variety of candies and sprinkles to create a unique and interesting design. You can use a piping bag with a small round tip to attach the candies and sprinkles to the house.
Step 5: Add Final Details
Use a piping bag with a small round tip to add final details to your gingerbread house, such as pathways, trees, and other landscape features.
Advanced Decorating Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basic decorating techniques, you can try some more advanced techniques to take your gingerbread house to the next level. Here are a few ideas:
Creating a Winter Wonderland
Create a winter wonderland scene around your gingerbread house using shredded coconut, small twigs, and other natural materials. You can also use a piping bag with a large star tip to create a decorative border around the edges of the scene.
Creating a 3D Effect
Create a 3D effect on your gingerbread house by using a combination of icing and candies. For example, you can use icing to attach a row of gumdrops to the roof of the house, creating a 3D effect.
Creating a Theme
Create a theme for your gingerbread house, such as a fairy tale castle or a winter village. Use a variety of candies and sprinkles to create a unique and interesting design that fits your theme.
Tips and Tricks
Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when decorating your gingerbread house:
Work in Small Sections
Work in small sections to avoid overwhelming yourself with too much detail at once. This will also help prevent the icing from drying out before you have a chance to add the candies and sprinkles.
Use a Variety of Textures
Use a variety of textures, such as smooth icing, rough candies, and soft sprinkles, to add depth and interest to your design.
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. Decorating a gingerbread house is all about having fun and being creative.
Conclusion
Decorating a store-bought gingerbread house can be a fun and creative activity for the whole family. With a few simple steps and some basic decorating supplies, you can transform a plain gingerbread house into a stunning holiday masterpiece. Remember to work in small sections, use a variety of textures, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Happy decorating!
| Decorating Supply | Description |
|---|---|
| Royal Icing | A sweet, pipable icing made from powdered sugar and egg whites. |
| Candies and Sprinkles | Small, decorative candies and sprinkles used to add color and personality to your gingerbread house. |
| Piping Bags and Tips | Used to create intricate designs and patterns with your icing. |
- Choose a sturdy and well-made gingerbread house.
- Assemble the house according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Prepare your decorating space by covering your table with parchment paper or a plastic tablecloth.
- Gather all your decorating supplies and have them within easy reach.
- Create a base coat of icing on your gingerbread house.
- Add windows and doors using a piping bag with a small round tip.
- Add roof details using a piping bag with a large star tip.
- Add candies and sprinkles to create a unique and interesting design.
- Add final details, such as pathways and trees, using a piping bag with a small round tip.
What are the essential materials needed to decorate a store-bought gingerbread house?
To transform a store-bought gingerbread house into a masterpiece, you’ll need a variety of materials. The most essential items include royal icing, which serves as the primary adhesive and decorative element, and a piping bag with small round tips to create intricate designs. You’ll also need a selection of candies, such as gumdrops, M&M’s, and candy canes, to add color and texture to your design. Additionally, consider investing in a turntable or cake stand to display your finished gingerbread house.
Other materials that can enhance your design include edible glitter, luster dust, and small decorative items like snowflakes, holly leaves, or tiny figurines. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can also try making your own royal icing from scratch or experimenting with different flavors and colors. However, store-bought royal icing is a convenient and reliable option for most decorators.
How do I prepare my store-bought gingerbread house for decorating?
Before you begin decorating, it’s essential to prepare your store-bought gingerbread house. Start by gently removing any packaging or wrapping materials, taking care not to damage the house. If your gingerbread house is assembled, make sure it’s securely attached to the base or tray. If it’s not assembled, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble the house.
Next, inspect your gingerbread house for any imperfections or areas that need repair. If necessary, use a small amount of royal icing to fill in any gaps or cracks. Allow the icing to set before proceeding. Finally, place your gingerbread house on a turntable or cake stand to make it easier to access and decorate. This will also help you achieve a more even and balanced design.
What are some basic royal icing techniques for decorating a gingerbread house?
Mastering basic royal icing techniques is crucial for decorating a gingerbread house. One of the most essential techniques is piping borders, which involves using a piping bag with a small round tip to create a continuous line of icing around the edges of the house. You can also use royal icing to create intricate designs, such as stars, flowers, or leaves, by piping small dots or lines in a specific pattern.
Another technique is flooding, which involves filling large areas with a thin layer of royal icing. This is often used to create a smooth, even surface for decorating. You can also use royal icing to attach candies and other decorations to your gingerbread house. Simply pipe a small amount of icing onto the back of the decoration and attach it to the house.
How do I achieve a smooth, even surface on my gingerbread house?
Achieving a smooth, even surface on your gingerbread house is crucial for creating a professional-looking design. To do this, you’ll need to flood the surface of the house with a thin layer of royal icing. Start by piping a border around the edges of the house to contain the icing. Then, use a piping bag with a large round tip to fill in the center of the house with a thin layer of icing.
Use a spatula or offset spatula to spread the icing evenly and remove any excess. You can also use a turntable to rotate the house and ensure the icing is evenly distributed. Allow the icing to set completely before decorating. If necessary, you can also use a small amount of royal icing to fill in any imperfections or bumps on the surface of the house.
What are some tips for decorating a gingerbread house with candies and other edible decorations?
Decorating a gingerbread house with candies and other edible decorations is a fun and creative way to add color and texture to your design. When using candies, start by selecting a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors to create visual interest. You can use royal icing to attach candies to the house, or simply press them gently into the icing.
When using other edible decorations, such as sprinkles or edible glitter, be sure to use them sparingly to avoid overwhelming the design. You can also experiment with different techniques, such as creating patterns with candies or using a small amount of royal icing to attach decorations to the house. Remember to have fun and be creative – the most important thing is to enjoy the process and make your gingerbread house your own.
How do I add final details and finishing touches to my gingerbread house?
Once you’ve completed the main decorating process, it’s time to add final details and finishing touches to your gingerbread house. This can include adding small details, such as windows, doors, or a mailbox, using royal icing or small candies. You can also use a small paintbrush to add fine details, such as lines or textures, using food-grade paint or markers.
Finally, take a step back and evaluate your design. Make any necessary adjustments, such as adding more decorations or touching up any imperfections. Consider adding a few final flourishes, such as a dusting of edible glitter or a sprinkle of snowflakes, to complete your design. With these final touches, your gingerbread house is now complete and ready to be displayed.
How do I store and display my decorated gingerbread house?
Once your gingerbread house is complete, it’s essential to store and display it properly to maintain its freshness and integrity. If you plan to display your gingerbread house for an extended period, consider using a glass or plastic dome to protect it from dust and moisture.
Store your gingerbread house in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or humidity, which can cause the royal icing to melt or become discolored. If you need to transport your gingerbread house, use a sturdy box or container to prevent damage. With proper care and handling, your decorated gingerbread house can remain a beautiful and delicious holiday treat for weeks to come.