5 Simple Ways to Upgrade Your Basic Gingerbread House

There are two things we love in this life: food and art. That's why building a gingerbread house might be one of the most therapeutic activities we do during the holidays.

However, if you've ever built one, you know it can get intense. You want it to look good, but one wrong move and everything (literally and figuratively) comes crashing down. Avoid the trouble and be happy with your end result—continue reading to hear our tips to create the best gingerbread house on the block this Christmas.

Use Other Treats as the Roof

To be a gingerbread house, it has to have gingerbread somewhere. That doesn't mean you have to use it everywhere. We often switch out the gingerbread roof panels for another cookie or candy, like Kit Kats or Oreos. They can add more texture or color dimension to your gingerbread house. Just don't forget to decorate after.

(via Shutterstock)

 

Landscaping Is Important

When it comes to decor, you are probably most concerned with the house. You should be—it's the focal point of the piece. However, don't underestimate the power of creating a yard, too. You can give your gingerbread family a garden or an entrance. Plus, most other people will forget or choose not to include one.

 

Also read about: 6 Festive Christmas Treats to Get Into the Holiday Spirit

 

Add Edible Glitter

Glitter looks good on everything, gingerbread houses included. You can use it to look like fresh snow in the "yard" and on the roof. You can also use it to give a shimmering Christmas light effect to the gumdrops and other candies you may apply.

 

Use a Color Scheme

Most of the time, our gingerbread houses look like a hodgepodge of candy we threw together at the last minute. It will require more of your time, but using a consistent color scheme will quickly add cohesion to your house's appearance. It just makes everything look sleeker and more tied together.

(via Shutterstock)

 

Turn Messy Icing into Icicles

If you don't have precise piping, your icing can begin to drip or look sloppy. But one slip-up doesn't mean you ruined your gingerbread house. Instead, you can pinch the frosting to make it look like an icicle is hanging off the home. No one will ever be able to tell, and it now seems as though you put effort into even the most minuscule details.

 

Can't get enough of the holiday tunes? Read HERE for our definitive ranking of the most iconic Christmas songs.