Gingerbread house night should be about candy-covered rooftops and wonderfully wonky designs, not hunting for sprinkles across the kitchen. A little preparation gives everyone room to create and makes packing up easier when the decorating is done.
Start with a clear workspace
Choose a table or countertop with enough room for your gingerbread house, icing, and decorations. Keep drinks and everyday clutter away from the decorating area, and place your house on a sturdy base you can move when it’s finished.
Set out your supplies before opening the candy. Having everything within reach means fewer interruptions once the creative ideas start flowing.
Give candies and sprinkles their own places
Choose a few decorations with different shapes and textures: small candies for pathways, sprinkles for rooftops, and larger pieces for doors or windows. Separate them so everyone can see what’s available without digging through bags.
The Ginger Fun™ Silicone Decorating Mat has built-in sections to organize candies and sprinkles alongside a large decorating workspace. Its food-grade silicone surface protects your countertop, and its non-slip surface helps keep decorations in place.
Make room for individual ideas
There’s no requirement for matching houses or picture-perfect icing. One person might build a snowy cottage while another creates a rainbow candy shop.
For a family decorating night, keep shared supplies within easy reach and let everyone choose their own design. Working with younger children? Use age-appropriate decorations and supervise throughout the activity.
Plan where finished houses will go
Choose a display spot before you begin. That gives you somewhere to move each finished creation without having to clear another surface while holding a candy-covered masterpiece.
Keep any drying or setting instructions from your gingerbread kit handy, too.
Make cleanup part of the plan
Keep the original candy containers nearby so unused decorations have somewhere to go. With the Ginger Fun mat’s flexible design, you can lift, fold, and pour remaining decorations back into their containers, then wipe the mat clean for next time.
And next time doesn’t have to wait until another gingerbread house night. The mat also provides a workspace for cookie decorating, cupcakes, and cake pops.
Ready to set up your family’s decorating station? Take a look at the Ginger Fun™ Silicone Decorating Mat.