Gingerbread House Decorating Contest: Rules

A gingerbread house decorating contest is a creative game where teams build and decorate small candy houses, then vote on the best. It is perfect for families, kids and anyone who loves sweets.

How to Set Up

1. Get one house kit for each team, or build the walls ahead of time with icing.
2. Put each house on a plate or piece of cardboard.
3. Give each team a bowl of candy, sprinkles and a piping bag of icing.
4. Cover the table with paper or a plastic tablecloth.
5. Decide on categories, such as best design, funniest house and tastiest.

How to Play

1. Divide into teams of two or three.
2. Set a timer for 45 minutes.
3. Teams build and decorate their house with icing and candy.
4. Remind players to leave time for drying so pieces do not fall.
5. When the timer ends, everyone steps back from the houses.
6. Guests walk around and look at each house.
7. Everyone votes on the categories.

Scoring and Winning

The house with the most votes in each category wins. For a more formal version, give each house 1 to 5 points for look, creativity and neatness. Add the scores to pick the top house.

Tips for a Fun Game

• Build the walls the day before so they are firm.
• Put out extra icing, because it runs out fast.
• Check for nut allergies before sharing candy.
• Keep wet wipes handy for sticky fingers.
• Take photos before the houses get eaten.

Variations

• Theme Challenge: Build a house for a certain story, like the North Pole.
• Mystery Candy Box: Each team can only use candy from a surprise bag.
• Little Kids Version: Use graham crackers and frosting in cups. Let children build a flat scene with no standing walls.