The gingerbread party plan

1. Get guests in order This party is good for all ages, but it works best for a group of kids aged 6 to 12. Think get-to-know your neighbors and their kids, a gathering of extended family members or friends and their children, for school, church and scout groups, or a party for your children’s friends who are close in age. The older kids can build their own, while the younger-aged kids can stick to helping bake and decorate gingerbread man cookies or decorating preassembled houses. The holidays are busy, so send out invitations two or three weeks in advance and plan the party anytime after Thanksgiving through mid- December.

2. Set the scene Decorations and desserts can be simple or elaborate – handmade, store-bought or made by a professional designer and baker. Ideas for an easy but festive dessert table include Christmas cupcakes, iced or gingerbread cookies, candy canes and holiday candy, milk, punch, hot cocoa and other refreshments. Dipped pretzels, cookies, marshmallows, cake balls, cake pops or other homemade candies add a little extra to the party.

3. Building supplies You can make your own gingerbread pieces or buy a kit from a local store. Be sure to buy early before they sell out or give guests enough time to buy their own, and make sure to mention if they need to bring their own on the invitation. Graham crackers also are an easy substitute for smaller-scale houses.

4. Special touches Include gingerbread man- or house-shaped cookies, candy cane-, snowman- or other Christmas-themed cake pops and tops, personalized aprons and labels, decorating stations, photo opportunities with their completed house, and a goodie bag big enough to take it home.

Keep the party about two hours. Plan time for snacks, stories and the house-building activity. – CTW Features