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I left a whole lot of the usual ‘fun stuff to do at Christmas” until the last minute and frankly, most of it won’t be gettin’ done this year. I figure if I start preparing for 2010 right now I have a better chance of seeing things through to completion by the time December rolls around in another 12 months. That’s me; either way ahead of schedule or sliding into home plate at the last second.
We’re doing a little much needed reno of our basement so I guess I have construction thoughts running through my brain at the moment. One thing lead to another and voila… gingerbread houses. Look, I’ve had a few Christmas parties to attend and too many late nights…nothing I say right now is going to make much sense! I do hope you enjoy the pretty pictures and bookmark the website I’m going to direct you to soon as it has all you need to know about making an award winning gingerbread house or three.
Now, I like anyone who thinks outside the box, so I was intrigued by this grand prize winning entry in the Grove Park Inn‘s annual National Gingerbread House Competition. Pictured is this year’s winner, a gingerbread birdcage created by Jodie Stowe of Polkville, North Carolina. One room house…should be a snap. Famous last words…
This castle by Donna Rorabaugh of Rochester Hills, Michigan took one week to put together and was a winner in a Home Depot competition where knowing how to use power tools is a definite asset. And one more…
(hey, how did that get in there? Seriously, just making sure you’re paying attention. Now, where is that other house photo?)
This chalet is by Rebecca Russell of Wedding Cake Toppers and Gingerbread fame. I’ve never been to Switzerland but this is how I imagine the real Hansel and Gretel would have lived. It’s not too overdecorated and it would look gorgeous on a sideboard surrounded by a selection of fancy shortbread cookies and mandarin oranges and cheese plates like in the magazine photos of perfect holiday celebrations that other people experience. Note to self…get a sideboard.
And now, back to breathing in the drywall dust from the construction project in the other part of this house. May that be finished by next Christmas as well!
Goddess Tara
Jacquie Janzen Yee
Tracy Westerholm
Bonnie Johnson
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You’re funny! Love how you get distracted by New Moon still.
Waaaay too much work for something that is supposed to be eaten – in my humble opinion. But fill your boots if you are so inclined. Make sure you take pictures too (include your new sideboard) and post them here!
Love these gingerbread houses, but can’t imagine spending the time doing it myself. That is what makes us all unique, our different interests. Glad these people did so we could enjoy the pictures though. I had two girlfriends come by one Christmas (Kathy & Monica) when the kids were younger and decorate home made gingerbread houses with tons of great wrapped chocolates and we went out and left the dog inside (he is the best dog ever!) He ate the entire house wrapped chocolates and all, he did leave ONE! Normally he could have been trusted but I am sure the smell of the fresh ginger drove him crazy! The next time Kathy and Monica came over they brought a Dog biscuit one for Zack to have as his own.
The thing I love about doing stuff like this is that anything goes. You can be as creative as you want or simply go for a basic box shape. Some people relax with music, others go shopping (um, I like to do that, too, on occasion) but I relax by making things.
Hey Bon, I won’t really be getting a sideboard. No room, and I’d just be putting extra pressure on myself to keep it heavily laden with festive goodies all season. Who needs that… ; )
Tracy, making that gingerbread house will be a forever memory for the kids. It let them get involved with the holiday in a very hands on way. Did you take photos before Zack got at it, at least?!
Oh yes we did take picture !! It was funny because Zack had never ever done anything like this before so we know he must have had unbearable temptation!! We all know what’s that’s like, we just have the option of re buying what we ate !! Very funny memory for sure !
lol
Love those gingerbread houses….so gorgeous! I hope you had a wonderful holiday despite dealing with the drywall dust!
Love, violette