It is the holiday season, and it is time to party – gingerbread style! Most people have built a gingerbread house at least once in their life and can attest to the fact that it is always a super fun (and delicious!) Christmas activity. One of the best parts about making gingerbread houses is that each person gets to be as silly and creative as they would like, and the results are always exciting to see! If you are looking for a fun event to host with family and friends, a gingerbread house party is the perfect solution. Check out the steps on how you can plan the perfect gingerbread house party this holiday season.
Step 1: Set the date and send the invites.
First, figure out a date and time that works best for you to host the gingerbread house party. Once you have your date and time in mind, pull together a guest list of everyone that you would like to invite, and get those invitations out! Depending on your budget, you can create print invitations (which, could double as holiday décor for your loved one’s refrigerators!) or simply send a fun, Christmas-themed E-vite that has all the information your guests will need to know.
Step 2: Plan out your menu.
Now that you have your date, time, and guest list figured out, it is time to turn attention to what you will be serving your guests. While you know that guests will be picking on candy throughout the gingerbread house making process, it is important that your guests are served something substantial during the party. Think comfort food for your menu – charcuterie boards, macaroni & cheese, and all the chips and dips. And do not forget about dessert! You cannot go wrong with cookies and brownies, that can be frosted and decorated to fit the Christmas theme.
Step 3: Purchase all the building materials.
Next, make sure that you have all the building materials for all your guests. At this stage, you will have a good idea on who will be attending, so you will know exactly how much you have to buy. When it comes to the building materials for gingerbread houses, you can either purchase kits or make sheets of gingerbread yourself ahead of time – the choice is yours! Either way, make sure you have gingerbread, icing, and toppings such as marshmallows, sprinkles, candies like jellybeans or gum drops, licorice, and more. Building materials for gingerbread houses can be as creative as you would like, so do not hold back on candy options!
Step 4: Set up the stations.
The gingerbread house making will get messy, and that is the fun of it! Before the mess occurs, set up stations for each of your guests so they have their own area to build their gingerbread house. To try and ensure that you have as easy of a cleanup as possible, cover your tables with parchment paper and place the decorating candies and other toppings in cups. Each station does not need their own set of supplies but try to ensure that one of each type of topping is in near reach of each person.
Step 5: Get those holiday tunes going.
Lastly, it is time to turn up the tunes! Make sure that you have a great holiday playlist on deck so that your guests can truly get into the Christmas spirit. You want to make this gingerbread house party as festive as possible, and Christmas music is a sure way to get your guests in a great mood!
Step 6: Have fun!
Ultimately, making a gingerbread house is an awesome way to make some fun holiday memories with your loved ones. Once the final houses are built, make sure to get some pictures to capture the fun moments, and have cake boxes on deck so your guests are able to easily transport their gingerbread house to their home.