How to Decorate a Gingerbread House

These are all merely suggestions. Beauty is in the mind of the beholder and letting your creativity run wild is so satisfying. Take these in the spirit they're given.

I like to start decorating a gingerbread house by covering the seams with candies. They hide a multitude of flaws.

Then, I add spearmint leaves for shrubbery at all four corners. If your green leaves are thick, cut them in half with utility scissors.

Next, I move on to the front door. I use a whole allspice or juniper berry from my pickling spices for a door knob. I add unwrapped Andes mints for steps, peppermint railings and half a cookie as a flourish above the door.

I embellish the gable sides with windows and shutters and more decorations. Don't worry if the icing droops a little. The naive look is in! But do keep your hands clean at all times to avoid unsightly fingerprints.