Gingerbread and Peppermint Christmas Decor: Holiday Magic!

Gingerbread Lane Christmas Tree by RAZ Imports
Gingerbread Lane Christmas Tree by RAZ Imports 2024

Gingerbread and peppermint Christmas decor brings out the magic of the holiday season for children and adults alike. Imagine a tree adorned with candy-striped ribbons, gingerbread ornaments, and whimsical peppermint swirls—it’s like stepping into a storybook bakery filled with holiday treats!

I’ve put together a video of a beautifully decorated gingerbread tree, along with photos of other sweet trees I’ve found at the Dallas and Atlanta markets over the years. Additionally, to help you bring this theme to life, I’ve tagged some of my favorite Trendy Tree products that fit perfectly with this festive look. Get ready to create a holiday wonderland that delights everyone, young and old!

Creating Sweet Memories

Here are some gingerbread houses my daughter, grandkids, and I made together a few years ago. Creating these candy-covered houses remains one of my favorite holiday memories! Making a gingerbread house is a fun way to spend time with family. It’s a tradition that everyone—young and old—can enjoy together.

gingerbread house
gingerbread house

Planning to decorate with gingerbread and peppermint Christmas decor or making a gingerbread house this year? Here are a few tips to help you along the way:

House Construction

  • Decide on a Plan: Using a guide is a great way to start on the right foot. The simplest and quickest option is to use a kit—but true gingerbread purists might say that’s “cheating”! For our houses, we used graham crackers (not quite up to purist standards either, but we loved them). Our design came from a Christmas book from 1994! These days, a quick internet search will give you plenty of patterns and ideas to follow.
  • Solid Surface: Start your gingerbread house on a sturdy surface like a piece of cardboard. Make sure it’s large and strong enough to support the decorated house, as they can get quite heavy!
  • Consider a Cardboard Form: Hobby Lobby offers a great selection of sturdy cardboard houses in various styles, which can give you a helpful head start on your gingerbread house. Just cover the whole structure with frosting or “glue” on graham cracker “bricks” for a gingerbread look. Vanilla wafers also work well for a roof! I couldn’t find pictures of the houses we made using these forms, but we’ve tried them before, and they work wonderfully.

The Goodies

  • Eat Before You Start!: Make sure everyone eats first, especially the kids! Playing with candy is just too tempting. Set out some snacks they can enjoy, so they won’t be as tempted to munch on the decorations.
  • Gather Materials: It takes a lot of decoration to make a house and candy nowadays is pretty expensive! Look for cheaper, but colorful candies, off-brands, etc. Back in the days when we were making gingerbread houses, I saved expired candies and kept them in a storage bag just for decorating
  • Royal Icing or Candy Coating Blocks: Prepare a large batch of royal icing or use melted candy blocks for “glue.” Candy blocks harden quickly, so younger kids may need a little help. If the candy coating hardens, pop it back in the microwave to rewarm. Fill small ziplock bags with your icing or melted candy, snip off a corner, and adjust the hole size based on what you’re “gluing” on—some decorations may need a larger opening for easier application.

Storing Your Gingerbread House

Usually, a gingerbread house is tossed out after the holiday season; however, I’ve managed to store a few for future years with good results. I placed each one in a sturdy box just a bit larger than the house, filling any gaps with fiberfill or tissue paper to keep it secure. While it does take up a fair amount of freezer space, it’s doable!

Celebrate the Season with Sweet Creations & Lasting Memories

The best gingerbread houses are the ones that reflect your own creativity and personal style. There’s no wrong way to decorate—let everyone have a turn to add their favorite candies, colors, and unique touches. Paired with gingerbread and peppermint Christmas decor, your homemade gingerbread house will fit right in with the festive charm of the season. Making a gingerbread house together is all about the memories you create along the way. Happy building and happy holidays! 🎄🍬

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