Do you need a break from end-of-the-semester cramming? Are you deficient in Christmas cheer? Take some time to make a gingerbread house with friends. If you’re on a tight budget or want to test your creativity, here are some options to add a twist to this holiday tradition.
Building All the Walls
Grocery stores offer a variety of gingerbread house kits that contain everything needed for a simple yet fun craft. But if you want to branch out with your wall ingredients, the possibilities are endless. Anything sturdy will do. Graham crackers, candy bars and even Pop-Tarts provide excellent alternatives. If you want to give your walls a distinct look, construct them yourself with small foods like gingersnaps, marshmallows, pretzels or frosted shredded wheat. For a log cabin look, long foods like Tootsie Rolls and Piroulines are well-suited for the job.
You can also exchange classic four-walled architecture for a seamless house (or igloo) of homemade Rice Krispie treats. You can use a microwave or a suitable cooking device to melt your marshmallows—or take the shortcut of buying the pre-made treats at the store.
If you like the look of a gingerbread house but don’t care to use food, use stiff paper or cardboard to construct a mini-mansion. Just don’t use boxes needed to return your book rentals.
Paying Attention to the Details
With store aisles filled with candy, you don’t have to visit the sea of twirly swirly gumdrops to decorate a gingerbread house to your personal taste. Get creative with Kit Kat or Cinnamon Toast Crunch shingles. And for an inedible house, visit the craft aisle or see what cotton balls and cotton swabs are lying around your room.
Putting the Gingerbread House Together
Royal icing is the most reliable material for putting your gingerbread house together, but there are a few alternatives. Marshmallow fluff works admirably. If you have the money, you could buy edible glue intended for cake decorating. Or make your own edible glue with a water and tylose powder mixture or gum paste.
You might not qualify for the National Gingerbread House Competition, but you can still have fun this holiday season. Remember though, if you don’t eat your house right away, keep tabs on it for decomposition or infestation. Your roommates will thank you.
