Suggestions for graham cracker "Gingerbread" house?

Taytee

We're doing a very small gingerbread house party for Emily's birthday. I've already found a sturdy icing recipe that doesn't include egg since Em is allergic.  

If you've ever made them - do you have to use something underneath? I've seen little cardboard structures or milk cartons and things like that. I'm going to premake Emily's so all she'll have to do is decorate but I think Abby and some of the older kids will enjoy actually building something.

What to use as a base? Decorations kids loved? Ones to avoid?

I also read online to use a disposable cupcake tin (6) to give each kid their own decorations. Does that actually work well? Oh and to tape over at least 1/2 to 3/4 of any of the sugar shaker holes to keep them from dumping too much at once.

Any other hits tips or tricks!?

Jess.O

Sounds like fun! 

For the base, I'd say either use a small cookie sheet or if you want something that can be thrown away cut up a cardboard box (assuming you can find one around the house) and cover it with tin foil.  I'd definitely put it on something, otherwise I think it'll fall apart.  I think you'll want to attach the house to the base using icing, to.  

Things to decorate with: gumdrops, m&ms, skittles, tootsie rolls, mini candy canes, peppermints, gummy bears

 

AmethystBride

I did this as a treat with my advanced art class one year--we had a blast!  We used sturdy paper plates (like Chinette) to build our houses on.  Among other stuff I bought gumdrops, mini peppermint canes, red hots, assorted hard candies, twizzlers, oh, and coconut flakes (for snow).   I hope your girls have fun!

:-)

FireChiefsBride

Do you mean a base to build the structure around- like a pre-made shape?  I think it depends on how thick and sturdy your icing is, and their motor-levels.  I have not seen form-bases, but I pre-make the houses for my nieces and nephews.

That sounds like fun! 

amyinaustin

I agree, use a piece of cardboard or sturdy paper plate as a base for the whole scene.  Definitely put a small milk carton or something similar inside the house to help reinforce it - especially since little kiddo hands won't be as delicate w/ the walls as you or I would.

I always loved using smarties on the roof of the house as shingles, but gum drops work well for bushes/snow men, and mini m&ms would be fun too.

I like the idea of putting the decorations in a cupcake tin - that will help.   What a fun party!

Taytee

amyinaustin:

  Definitely put a small milk carton or something similar inside the house to help reinforce it - especially since little kiddo hands won't be as delicate w/ the walls as you or I would.

Ooo! Good point!! I hadn't thought of their inability to GENTLY place items on the house after it is assembled. See, that's why I have you guys