Gingerbread House Contest!

Friendmas with my besties is always a highlight of the holiday season, and this year, we decided to kick it up a notch with an epic gingerbread house contest! It was an absolute blast, full of laughter, a little competitive spirit, and a whole lot of colorful candy and icing. Seeing everyone’s unique take on their dream gingerbread home was so inspiring, and honestly, judging them is the hardest part – that’s why I need your help! If you're thinking of hosting your own gingerbread house contest for a girls' night or family gathering, here are some tips I picked up along the way to make it a smashing success. First, decide if you're baking from scratch or using kits. For a fun, low-stress event, pre-baked kits are a lifesaver! They save so much time and ensure everyone has a sturdy starting point. Next, gather ALL the supplies. Think beyond just white icing; grab different colors, plenty of sprinkles, and a HUGE variety of candies. We had everything from classic gumdrops and mini marshmallows to colorful candy lights, festive peppermint candies, and even some unique heart-shaped candy designs and swirl candies. Don't forget small spatulas or butter knives for applying icing, and sturdy plates or cardboard bases for each house. Setting the atmosphere is key! Put on some holiday tunes, have festive snacks and drinks ready, and make sure there’s plenty of space for everyone to spread out their decorating treasures. For our contest, we set a fun time limit – usually around 60-90 minutes – to keep things moving and add a little challenge. As for judging, you can keep it simple or get creative. We considered categories like 'Most Creative,' 'Most Festive,' 'Best Structural Integrity,' and 'Most Delicious-Looking.' It’s amazing what everyone comes up with when they’re given a blank canvas and a pile of sweets! When it comes to decorating, encourage everyone to think outside the box. Some friends used colorful candy strings to create garlands, while another even incorporated a goldfish cracker for a quirky, unexpected touch in their design – proving that almost anything can be part of your gingerbread house! The key to a sturdy house is using lots of royal icing as your ‘glue’ and letting it set for a few minutes before adding too many heavy decorations. It's truly incredible how much personality each house takes on with different candy and icing decorations. After all the decorating chaos, the reveal is the best part! Display all the finished gingerbread houses together, take tons of photos, and then let the voting begin. Whether you vote amongst yourselves or open it up to friends and family online, it adds another layer of fun to the event. This Friendmas gingerbread house contest was such a memorable way to celebrate the season, and I highly recommend trying it with your loved ones. It’s a fantastic way to make new memories and show off some sweet creativity!