WOW Gingerbread House: Readers Share Their Tasty Constructions

VIRGINIA — One of the wonderful things about the holidays is all the great food people are preparing — roasted turkeys, Christmas cookies, apple pies, hot buttered rum, and gingerbread houses.

Patch invited all of the home gingerbread architects/bakers out there to share photos of their delicious constructions for the holiday season. Here are some of the submissions provided by our readers in Virginia.

Anabel Fournier was inspired by German gingerbread houses. She decorated hers with white royal icing and mini pink bows.

Megan Hopkins of Fredericksburg shared four views of the gingerbread house built and decorated by her 13-year-old daughter, Isabel.

"My son and I used Graham crackers, icing and various candies to create a festive house," Lynne Carr of Chantilly said. "The owner of the gingerbread house is putting the finishing touches on his tree before the party starts."

Samantha Manoogian shared this pre-built house she decorated with candy, cereal, and icing.

Want to build your own gingerbread house just for fun? Here are some ideas to kick it off:

• Build it from scratch or use a pre-made kit
• Make it colorful or keep it classic
• Recreate a notable landmark or build your dream house
• Give your house a theme

Need some supplies? Check out what we recommend to get started!