If you look closely, you’ll notice this gingerbread house tablescape is created with paper mache house boxes. When I first thought about creating this tablescape, I imaged how fun it would be for a kids table at Christmas, but now I’m thinking it would probably be appreciated more by big kids like me.
Gingerbread House Tablescape
I’m completely spell-bound when it comes to real gingerbread houses that are lavishly decorated all over with white icing. The memorizing mix of swirls, scallops, spirals, and zigzags is so magical.
For this tablescape instead of baking and constructing real gingerbread houses I’m using paper mache house boxes. I’m not sure if my icing decorating skills will ever develop, but I can use a paint pen.
Supplies For Gingerbread Houses
- Paper Mache House Box
- Chalk paint pen
You can pencil in the doors and windows but I think it was so much easier to freehand the designs. Also don’t try to make everything look too perfect or it will not have that made-with-love appeal.
It’s also fun to make each house look a little different, so vary the style of the roofs, windows, doors and flourishes. The challenge for me is coming up with different doodles for each house.
There is no right or wrong way to decorate a gingerbread house, just draw lines, zigzags, dots, circles, squares, scallops, hearts, stars, spirals and triangles. If you mess up, wipe off the chalk with a damp paper towel and start over.
Planning a Tablescape
When planning the tablescape I’m looking for elements that say, “It’s Christmas Time”.
- white dishes
- something plaid
- mix of silverware
- a playful centerpiece
- greenery
I’m using my basic white dishes, a mix of silverware, and for a punch of color plaid cloth napkins at each setting. You know me, I never get tired of beautiful tartan colors.
For greenery I’m using a boxwood wreath which was large enough for a white cake stand to sit in the middle.
The centerpiece is just a large glass storage jar with powdered sugar and a cluster of gingersnap tree cookies. By placing the back sides together, the cookies look pretty from any direction.
Scatter mini white bottle brush trees around the wreath along with a string of jingle bells. Now we are ready for a fun dinner!
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The gingerbread house boxes are cute for decoration but also the perfect size for hiding small gifts inside, so keep that in mind.
Thank you so much for stopping by today. I hope you found some ideas that you can use this holiday season. Gather around the table and find something to celebrate.
Cheers!
©2018 Gingerbread House Tablescape first appeared on Thistle Key Lane.
Such a smart and cozy idea! Lovely, Michelle! You are truly and artist, and I love all the different designs on your paper mache (dare I say, cardboard) gingerbread houses! Love that centerpiece, too!
Thanks Julie, these were a lot of fun to decorate, too bad I’m not talented enough to make the real thing! 😉
These are so charming, Michelle! I love the sweetness of your little gingerbread houses, and the whole tablescape looks so well put together. You’re so artistic.
Thank you Crissy, real gingerbread or not they were fun to make! Thanks for sharing the post!
I love this tablescape…spellbound is the exact perfect word for it. The gingerbread houses are darling. Pinning!
Thank you so much Marissa! Maybe by next Christmas I can learn how to decorate with icing and make the real thing! 🙂
I love this idea!!! these look so pretty and elegant! Totally pinning.
Thanks for sharing
>> Christene
Keys to Inspiration
You are so sweet Christene. Thanks for pinning!
Michelle, this is such a sweet tablescape. I love the little “gingerbread” houses!
Thank you so much Linda. I had so much transforming the boxes into gingerbread houses! 😊
This is absolutely too cute! I love gingerbread houses, definitely pinning to try:) Merry Christmas!
Thank you Tiffany for stopping by and for pinning too! Happy Christmas!
MICHELLE! (yes, I meant to yell that!…well, maybe not yell, but definitely loudly and with excitement) I love absoutely everything about those houses and your table. What a brilliant idea. Thanks for the inspiration…gonna share your post link with my readers next week!
Hugs, Lynn
Hi Lynn, that is so sweet of you and I’m so happy you liked the post! I’m still a big kid at heart and love gingerbread houses. Hugs!
I so love this chic ginger bread house table setting. Thank you for the style inspiration xx Maria
You are so sweet Maria, thank you for stopping by and commenting. Hugs!