Gingerbread Cottage Holiday Centerpiece
Gingerbread Cottage Holiday Centerpiece
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We have so much fun creating our annual gingerbread houses that I wanted to share a way to enjoy them all season long. My gingerbread cottage holiday centerpiece is an excellent way to showcase your little elves' creative work every evening at the dinner table.
Our annual gingerbread cottage decorating happens right after Thanksgiving each year. And it wasn't long ago that I got smart and started using the pre-constructed gingerbread houses.
These gingerbread cottage pre-built box kits are wonderful! With the cottage structure already assembled you and your gingerbread boys and girls can focus on the fun of creatively decorating.
What's more is that if you find a pre-built gingerbread house at a good price, it can be less expensive than creating the elements and building your own. Not to mention the time savings that can go into other fun ways to celebrate the season!
Make Your Cottage a Focal Point of the Season
Because our kids put a lot of effort into their gingerbread cottage decorating, I like to honor that hard work by showcasing the cottage in our dining room. I use them for our table centerpiece on both the table and sideboard where we gather each evening to eat and share the day's events.
The pre-constructed gingerbread cottages come assembled on an approximately 8"x11" piece of cardboard that makes them very sturdy for decorating and transporting as needed. And while this cardboard is a great starting point, I like to enhance the design of the cottage by placing it on a galvanized metal tray and decorating that surface as well.
Using a tray elevates the gingerbread cottage to a festive centerpiece for all to enjoy!
How To Select a Tray
To determine the best tray to use for the season, take the assembled gingerbread and confirm the cardboard base dimensions. Decide which shape you prefer for your centerpiece - rectangular, square, oval or round - then sort through the trays you have in your cupboard for the perfect one.
If you don't have one that suits your needs shop around and consider the local thrift store as a super affordable option too!
When your tray is ready, use a box cutter or shears to trim down the cardboard to the perimeter of your gingerbread cottage's walls.
Add a little frosting to the tray and place your cottage on top to give a little security as you decorate. The frosting will dry and act as an adhesive.
Decorating Tips
There are endless ways to decorate a gingerbread cottage and it's fun to add some traditional features. Start with the roof to bring some snow-swept drama with frosting and bright red and green candies.
Next, move to the sides and windows to give dimension to the gingerbread pieces.
Use ample candy and frosting to create trees, bushes, pathways and other features to the landscape and tray.
Make a festive statement by using classic design rules such as paying attention to balance and symmetry, repetition of elements, creating a focal point so that all these work toward harmony.
And we can all agree that a harmonious looking gingerbread cottage will be enjoyed throughout the holiday season!
Holiday Party Time with a Cottage Decorating Party
The best way to enjoy decorating a gingerbread cottage is to do with with friends in a festive setting.
We gather friends to decorate our cottages together and supplement the included candies with lots of colorful and seasonal candies of our own.
To make your party sparkle, invite guests to bring a bag of their favorite hard or soft candy to be shared amongst the group. Try these:
- Peppermints
- Gummy bears
- Gum drops
- Candy holly and berries
- Starbursts
- Skittles
- Red hots
- M&Ms
Care to Mingle?
Interested in connecting over social media? Follow the fun on Pinterest and Instagram. Tag #satsumasmiles to share your creativity and I'll share back.
HELLO THERE!
Today is a gift. Let's put a bow on it!
Find creative and sustainable ways to make family life a delight! Sharing modern etiquette that kids will enjoy.
💕 jennifer
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