Gingerbread House Decorating Contest: A Fun Guide: Fast-Track Guide to Creating the Perfect Gingerbread House

The Gingerbread House Decorating Contest is a timeless holiday tradition that brings together creativity, family bonding, and a sprinkle of friendly competition. Whether you’re planning a cozy gathering at home or a larger community event, organizing a successful contest is all about encouraging imagination and ensuring everyone has a delightful, memorable experience. Here’s your comprehensive guide to hosting a gingerbread house decorating contest―from preparation to judging, with design-minded tips sprinkled throughout for professional flair.

1. Set the Stage for Success

Begin by choosing the right location for your contest. A spacious, well-lit area with ample tables is a must—think dining rooms, community centers, or even an outdoor event if weather allows. As a designer, I like to layer the tables with protective coverings and place trays or boards for each participant to keep the work surface clean and organized. The visual layout of your workspace can set the festive tone and inspire creativity even before the decorating begins.

2. Supply the Essentials

Decide if you’ll provide gingerbread house kits or let participants construct their own. Each workstation should include royal icing (the “cement” of gingerbread architecture), assorted candies, sprinkles, mini cookies, and decorative elements like coconut snow. As designers know, an appealing composition starts with well-chosen materials! Consider color palettes, textures, and the diversity of candy shapes to spark inventive designs.

3. Inspire with a Theme

A theme can focus creative energy and add excitement. From classic winter wonderlands to futuristic homes, and even a “minimalist” challenge where only three types of candy are used, the possibilities are endless. Encourage participants to think about harmonious color combinations or to tell a story through their gingerbread masterpiece—just as we do in interior design projects.

4. Judging Criteria and Prizes

Establish clear judging criteria: creativity, presentation, theme interpretation, and construction quality often work well. Perhaps include a “People’s Choice” award to get everyone involved. Fun, themed prizes—like baking tools or design books—keep the mood light and inspire friendly competition.

5. Design Tip—Room for Daylight

Good lighting is key for both the decorating process and for photographing finished creations. I recommend positioning gingerbread displays near windows or under warm task lighting, akin to how one would stage a vignette in a living room. If possible, take advantage of natural daylight to highlight the colors and textures of the decorations. This small detail can elevate the entire experience, and as a designer, it's something I always consider when planning holiday events or capturing photos of DIY room décor projects.

Tips 1:

Encourage participants to sketch ideas beforehand—just like an interior designer starts with vision boards or mood boards. This not only helps organize thoughts but also leads to more intentional designs. If working with kids, provide simple templates or stencils for guidance.

FAQ

Q: How do I keep gingerbread houses from falling apart?

A: Use royal icing as your main adhesive and assemble the walls and roof ahead of time so they can dry and set before decorating begins.

Q: What are some fun themes for a gingerbread house contest?

A: Try “Classic Christmas Cottage,” “Modern Winter Chalet,” “Candyland Dreams,” or “Environmental Eco-House” as creative themes that inspire different design approaches.

Q: Can I use non-edible materials for decorating?

A: For contests focused on design, some allow non-edible items like ribbons or small figurines, but make sure guidelines are clear to all participants ahead of time.

Q: How can I make the contest more inclusive for all ages?

A: Offer both simple and advanced categories, or group participants by age. Provide easy-to-use materials for young kids and more sophisticated options for teens and adults.

Q: What’s the best way to photograph finished gingerbread houses for sharing?

A: Place houses near natural light, use a neutral backdrop, and shoot from multiple angles—just as you would for professional photos of an interior space.