31 Days of Christmas Parties: Christmas Party #1: Gingerbread House Decorating Party

'Twas the Night Gingerbread House, from Williams-Sonoma

CHRISTMAS PARTY ACTIVITY:

Gingerbread Man Measuring Spoons, at Pier 1

Invite five or six ladies (or two or three couples) over to a grownup gingerbread house decorating cocktail party. Or alternately, invite two or three other ladies to bring one or two of their children apiece.

Cobblestone Gingerbread House Kit, from Cost Plus World Market

Set out pre-baked gingerbread house pieces - enough for each guest to take home a house (or several tiny houses). Also be sure to bake extra pieces in case of breakage.

Gingerhaus Kit, from Sur la Table

Set up your kitchen counter or dining table with decorating supplies: frostings, sprinkles, spatulas, sparkles, gels, frosting tips, candies and other decorations.

Monaco Pre-Assembled House Kit, from Cost Plus World Market

After offering your guests delicious appetizers, finger foods, cocktails and snacks, invite them to decorate their houses. Serve dessert after most guests have completed their houses.

At the end of the evening, take pictures of each guest proudly holding their creations.

CHRISTMAS GINGERBREAD HOUSE PARTY DECORATIONS:

Gingerbread Man Airblown Inflatable, on Amazon

If you throw over-the-top parties and have the budget for it, consider putting this airblown inflatable gingerbread man on your front lawn to greet guests as they drive up.

Gingerbread Men String Lights, on Amazon

Gingerbread House Centerpiece by Beistle, on Amazon

Gingerbread Towels Set, on Amazon

Your home might not be decorated for Christmas quite yet? Are you a person who gets inspired right after Thanksgiving? Or a person who waits until the first week of December to decorate?

Gingerbread Boy and Girl Salt and Pepper Shakers, on eBay

For this party, add a few gingerbread-themed touches here and there - a kitchen towel, a tablescape, a gingerbread welcome mat, or other themed items.

Gingerbread Kisses Lighted LED Ornament, on Amazon

CHRISTMAS PARTY INSPIRATION:

Gingerbread House Decorating Party, from Glorious Treats

Gingerbread Decorating Party from Amy's Party Ideas

Ally Hudson's Gingerbread Party

HGTV's Gingerbread House Party Inspirations

Girls Delightfully Sweet Gingerbread Decorating Party, at Hostess with the Mostess

Giggles Galore Gingerbread House Decorating Party

Gingerbread House Decorating Party, at A Turtle's Life for Me

Host a Gingerbread House Making Party (With Sugar on Top)

Gingerbread House Decorating Party Ideas (Kid Birthday Party)

Let's Plan a Gingerbread House Party (Home & Family)

CHRISTMAS PARTY FRAGRANCE:

Gingerbread Poured Candle, from Thymes

Gingerbread Soy Candle, on Etsy

Scent your home with a warm gingerbread scent - but don't overdo it! I probably wouldn't shake a can of gingerbread Febreze around the house before guests arrive - it might be too overwhelming. But I'd light a gingerbread candle in 2 or 3 rooms we'll be using for the party, including the bathroom (a tea light or votive because the room is so small).

CHRISTMAS PARTY MUSIC:

I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm, by Dean Martin, on YouTube

Buy Dean Martin's "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm on Amazon for 99 cents

I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm, by Kay Starr, on YouTube

Buy Kay Starr's "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" for 89 Cents on Amazon

Frank Sinatra "Mistletoe and Holly," on YouTube

Buy "Mistletoe and Holly" by Frank Sinatra, on Amazon

CHRISTMAS PARTY APPETIZERS:

Caramelized Onion Mushroom Apple Gruyere Bites Recipe, from Table for Two Blog

Caramelized Onion Tartlets, from Cooking Light

Apple/Blue Cheese Chutney, from Cooking Light

Fa-La-La Finger Foods for Holidays (My Wedding Reception Ideas)

CHRISTMAS PARTY BEVERAGES:

Gingerbread Men Ice Cube Tray by Sur la Table, on Amazon

If you plan to serve cocktails at your party, make gingerbread men shaped ice cubes several days before the party. It will take quite a while to make enough ice cubes for a party if you only own one tray - Set a timer so you remember to go empty and refill the tray several times every day leading up to the party. Store the ice cubes in a plastic storage container in your freezer until it's time to take them out for the party.

Gingerbread Spice Tea, from Celestial Seasonings

Gingerbread House Teapots, on eBay

Serve cocktails or coffee made with Amoretti gingerbread syrup.

Gingerbread Martini, from Mom, What's for Dinner?

Offer a nice variety of non-alcoholic beverages too, both cold and warm. Cider, hot cocoa, hot coffee, hot tea, 7-up, and a couple of fruit juice options would be nice for your busy decorators.

Gingerbread Hot Toddy (DIY Cocktails)

Gingerbread Martini (Ann's Entitled Life)

Gingerbread Martini (The Martini Diva)

Gingerbread Martini Jelly Shots (Jelly Shot Test Kitchen)

CHRISTMAS PARTY DESSERTS:

Gingerbread Cheesecake Starter, from Williams-Sonoma

Gingerbread Truffles, at Dinners, Dishes and Desserts

Gingerbread 7 Layer Bars, at Something Swanky

Chocolate Peppermint Cupcakes Recipe, from What's Cookin Chicago

Gingerbread Cupcakes Recipe, from Tidy Mom

Pumpkin Gingerbread Cheesecake Recipe, from Mommy's Kitchen

Chewy Ginger Chocolate Cookies Recipe, from Joy the Baker

Serve easy-to-eat desserts (cookies, cupcakes) so your guests can nibble easily while working on their gingerbread houses. Be sure to serve at least one or two gingerbread treats, but don't go overboard. Offer other flavors too.