The Best DIY Christmas Gingerbread Houses

I had so much fun creating the best Christmas gingerbread houses and I love how they turned out. They were so easy and will last forever!

I used premade paper mache cardboard houses, acrylic paint, puff paint, cellophane, small wreaths, pearls, glitter, and more glitter. I love the pink Christmas theme and now I just have to decide where I want to style these. Of course, I have about ten different ideas!

Creating a gingerbread house is a beloved holiday tradition, one that brings joy, creativity, and a sense of warmth to the festive season.

While the classic gingerbread house is typically made of actual gingerbread, icing, and candies, I used a different approach and made mine from paper mache/cardboard gingerbread houses. These non-edible houses offer a durable, long-lasting, and highly customizable option for Christmas decor.

And I think they look just as cute!

OK, maybe they don’t taste as good. But does anyone ever eat their gingerbread house?

The Enduring Appeal of Gingerbread Houses

Doesn’t it seem that gingerbread houses are more popular this year than ever?

Gingerbread houses have roots deep in European history, gaining popularity in Germany during the 16th century. The story of “Hansel and Gretel” by the Brothers Grimm catapulted these edible structures into the limelight, making them a festive tradition.

Gingerbread houses represent not just the joy and warmth of the holiday season but also the creativity and togetherness that come with building something magical.

Cardboard/Paper Mache Houses

So why did I decide not to bake my own gingerbread houses? I wanted them to last! These paper mache gingerbread houses offer a durable, customizable, and long-lasting alternative. I am so happy I used these and didn’t try to make real gingerbread houses. The baking would have taken forever!

These houses are very durable and come in a set of three. Plus the roofs lift off easily which helps a lot with the decorating. I am excited they will last for many years!

Materials You’ll Need

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I bought the paper mache gingerbread houses on Amazon (even though they are from Hobby Lobby). You can get three different-sized houses for $11.00. The other ones listed below from Factory Direct are all the same size.

• Pre-made cardboard paper mache houses (from Hobby Lobby but sold on Amazon)
• White and pink acrylic paint (and other colors of your choice)
• Glitter, pearls, and puff pens for decoration
• Miniature wreaths and other festive adornments
• Pink satin ribbon
• Craft glue and a hot glue gun
• Brushes and painting supplies
• Cellophane for the windows
• Fairy lights

Step-by-Step Creation

1. Preparing the Houses: Start by painting your cardboard paper mache house with white, pink, and/or a brown base to mimic the classic gingerbread look. Allow it to dry completely.
2. Adding Color and Details: Use additional paint colors to add details like doors, windows, and roof tiles. This is where you can let your creativity shine – there’s no limit to how intricate or simple your designs can be.
3. Decorating with Flair: Once the paint dries, it’s time to decorate. I used Tulip Puffed pens for all of the detailing and I love how it came out. I thought about using white glue and a glue gun but the puffed paint worked so much better. I used Tacky Glue to add a lot of glitter to add a sparkling snow effect, pearls to mimic candy pieces, and even some crumbled glass on one of the roofs.
4. Small wreaths and other Christmas-themed decorations can be added for a festive touch. I bought small wreaths but I pulled off the red bows and added my own pink ones instead. I also painted some of the wreaths white. This took forever as I couldn’t get any of the paint to stick. Finally, I spray-painted them which worked the best.
5. Windows and doors – I cut doors out of cardboard, painted them, and glued cellophane on the fronts. I added cellophane to the windows and placed fairy lights inside to light them up.
6. Final Assembly: After all the decorations are in place and have dried, your gingerbread house is ready to be showcased. Be sure to use some fake snow on your table or counter!

Why Pink Gingerbread Houses?

While traditional gingerbread houses are charming, opting for a pink theme can add a whimsical and fresh touch to your decor. Pink, a color often associated with warmth and playfulness, can bring a unique and stylish twist to your Christmas decorations.

Of course, you can stick with the gingerbread house color and just decorate it with white puff paint, or try something entirely different. It’s up to you.

Why I Love Pink-Themed Gingerbread Houses

Pink gingerbread houses can seamlessly integrate with a lot of holiday themes, from classic to modern, adding a unique and eye-catching element to your holiday setup.

Amidst the traditional reds and greens of Christmas, a pink gingerbread house can stand out as a focal point, drawing attention and sparking conversations.

Incorporating Gingerbread Houses in Your Home

As a Centerpiece – Place your gingerbread house as a centerpiece on your dining table or coffee table for an enchanting display.

Mantel Magic – Adorn your fireplace mantel with these houses for a cozy yet chic holiday feel.

Window Wonderland – Set them near windows to catch the light and create a beautiful, festive display both inside and outside.

Crafting gingerbread houses from pre-made cardboard/paper mache is not just a fun holiday activity but a way to add a personal and artistic touch to your Christmas decor.

Whether you stick to the traditional gingerbread look or venture into the whimsical world of pink houses, these creations are sure to add joy and charm to your festive celebrations.

The beauty of this project lies in its flexibility and the personal touch you bring to it, making each house a unique reflection of your holiday spirit. I must admit that I felt like I was decorating a doll house and I loved it!

This is also the perfect project to make with your family! Since the houses come in a set of three, they are perfect for everyone as there are plenty of houses to decorate.

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Thrifted and oh so easy Pottery Barn gingerbread village look alikes!

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