How To Host a Children’s Gingerbread House Decorating Party

Five years ago I hosted a gingerbread house decorating party for my kids and their friends.  I look at the photos and my party self cringes at some of the details from so long ago, but the day is dear to my heart.  It was the most relaxing afternoon of holiday fun, surrounded by my girlfriends and their sweet kids.

This year I decided to try it again except this time as a pj’s and breakfast party.  It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with friends while letting the kids eat, create and play!

To invite guests over, choose a fun invitation and be sure to include party details like arriving dressed in pjs or asking each guest to bring their favorite gingerbread decorating candy to share! We sent out these darling reindeer invites from Tiny Prints!

It’s fun to have a table set for your little guests.  My kids love having a special place setting just for them.  One of my tricks when throwing children’s parties is to use coordinating wrapping paper as a table runner!  You’ll eliminate having to wash a runner after the party and makes for super easy clean up!  Pop a few Christmas decorations down the center and you have a cute centerpiece!

With any party, it’s nice to feed your guests.  Since we were having an early afternoon gathering, we served a bite size brunch for our little friends.  Mini pancakes, waffles, cinnamon rolls, scones, and donuts are always a hit alongside a few healthy options like eggs, sausage, and fruit!

Add special details to the children’s table like bottles of milk garnished with holiday mini donuts and fun paper straws at each place setting!

Though it’s not always necessary, I love to send guests home with a party favor.  I found these adorable Christmas plates from Dylbug.com and had them personalized for each guest.  It’s a darling treat that they kids can use all season long and pull out year after year.  The fun thing about these plates is that they double as an activity and a serving piece!  Santa and Mrs. Claus are waiting to be dressed in your meal!

Our guests waited patiently after brunch while the moms transformed the brunch table to a gingerbread house decorating table!  Everyone was comfy and cozy, curled up on the sofa waiting to decorate in their Petite Plume pjs.

If your home is decorated for Christmas, there isn’t a ton of extra party decorating to do.  Holiday pillows always add just the right amount of decor to your everyday furniture.

Everyone loves hot cocoa at Christmas!  Set a hot cocoa bar for guests (and parents) with marshmallows, candy canes, and fun Santa mugs.

Wilton makes the most darling hot cocoa accessories like these snowmen marshmallow & peppermint sticks!

To eliminate a potential crazy clean up, use muffin tins to sort candy and sprinkles on your gingerbread house making table.  Tie the ends of decorating bags with rubber bands or pastry bag ties to keep icing inside the bag.  Kids have a tendency to squeeze in the middle of the bag squeezes the icing out the end and all over the place! Once  everyone has candy, icing, a house to decorate and a cup of cocoa, it’s time to decorate!

My kids could sit for hours decorating their house.  As they get older, the mess is less and their little houses get more and more detailed.  I love this holiday tradition!

After each guest has completed their house, offer a photo backdrop for guests to pose with their creations!  It’s fun to look back and see what their houses looked like from previous years!

Our Gingerbread House Decorating party was a success! Another fun year of memories. Have you ever hosted a gingerbread decorating party? If so, what is your best tip for a great party?

 

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Photography: Laura Marchbanks