Gingerbread houses have been a cherished holiday tradition for generations. But in recent years, the trend has shifted towards creating pastel gingerbread houses that bring this tradition a whimsical and modern touch. Suppose you plan to embark on this delightful journey of decorating your gingerbread house with pastel shades. In that case, this article is your guide to choosing the perfect colors and creating a stunning, light-up gingerbread house highlighting your holiday season.
The Rise of Pastel Gingerbread Houses
Traditional gingerbread houses are often adorned with vibrant reds, greens, and deep browns, reminiscent of cozy, rustic holiday scenes. However, the pastel gingerbread house trend has gained significant popularity recently, offering a fresh take on this beloved tradition. Pastel shades bring a sense of enchantment and fairytale charm to your gingerbread creation, making it look like it's straight out of a storybook.
Gingerbread House Colors: A Palette of Possibilities
When it comes to pastel gingerbread houses, the color palette is critical. Here are some enchanting pastel gingerbread house colors to consider for your gingerbread masterpiece:
Cotton Candy Pink
A soft, cotton candy pink adds a touch of sweetness and femininity to your gingerbread house. It pairs beautifully with other pastels and creates a whimsical, dreamy look.
Minty Fresh Green
Mint green evokes feelings of freshness and vitality. It's a perfect choice for a gingerbread house with a garden or woodland theme.
Lavender Love
Lavender is a soothing, elegant choice that adds a touch of sophistication to your gingerbread house. It pairs well with other pastel gingerbread house colors and creates a harmonious look.
Lemon Sorbet Yellow
Yellow brings warmth and cheer to your gingerbread creation. It's an excellent choice for a sunlit gingerbread house with a bright, happy vibe.
Baby Blue
Baby blue is a classic pastel gingerbread house color reminiscent of clear skies and calm seas. It's versatile and complements other pastels beautifully.
Peachy Keen
Peach adds a soft, inviting glow to your gingerbread house. It's a lovely choice for a cottage-style gingerbread house with a cozy feel.
Creating a Light-Up Gingerbread House
Consider incorporating some enchanting lighting elements to make your pastel gingerbread house stand out. Here's how you can do it:
1. LED Lights
Embed LED lights inside your gingerbread house to make it glow from within. You can create a warm, inviting atmosphere using warm white LEDs or go for a whimsical look with multi-colored LEDs.
2. Edible Windows
Create edible windows using transparent, colored gelatin sheets. Place LED lights behind these windows to create a magical stained glass effect.
3. Icing Details
Use white icing to pipe intricate details on your gingerbread house, such as snowflakes or stars. When lit from within, these details will shine brilliantly.
4. Fairy Lights
Wrap tiny fairy lights around the exterior of your gingerbread house to give it a fairytale glow. These lights come in various colors to match your pastel gingerbread house theme.
Read More: What is the tradition of the gingerbread house
Tips for Decorating Your Pastel Gingerbread House
Now that you've chosen your pastel shades and lighting elements, here are some tips to ensure your gingerbread house turns out beautifully:
Plan Your Design
Make a paper sketch of your design before you begin decorating. This will help you visualize how the colors and decorations will come together.
Use Royal Icing
Royal icing is the best adhesive for gingerbread houses. It dries hard and holds everything in place. Plus, it can be tinted to match your pastel gingerbread house color scheme.
Add Texture
Create texture on your gingerbread house by using different icing techniques. You can make a shingled roof, add brick details, or create a stucco effect with textured icing.
Accessorize
Add adorable gingerbread people, trees, and other edible accessories to bring your gingerbread house to life. Decorate them with your chosen pastel colors for a cohesive look.
Protect Your Creation
If you plan to display your gingerbread house for an extended period, consider sealing it with a clear, food-safe varnish to preserve it and protect it from humidity.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gingerbread kits for a pastel gingerbread house?
Absolutely! Store-bought gingerbread kits provide a convenient starting point for your pastel gingerbread house project. You can still personalize it with your choice of pastel colors and lighting.
How can I make my gingerbread house smell as good as it looks?
To infuse your gingerbread house with a delightful aroma, add a few drops of gingerbread-scented essential oil to the inside before sealing it up. Your home will smell heavenly.
Can I eat my pastel gingerbread house?
Yes, you can! Pastel gingerbread houses are edible works of art. Just make sure to remove any non-edible decorations like LED lights before indulging.
