Candy, Icing, and Sugar Galore: The Chicest Gingerbread Party We've Ever Seen

Rachel Blumenthal and her son Griffin served as hosts for the party.

"Buy preassembled gingerbread kits to eliminate the stress and extra mess of icing all of the pieces together," Rachel says. "You can buy them at a local Whole Foods or Michaels Craft Store."

"Any party calls for balloons — and trust me, these are pure entertainment for the kids. That is, of course, when they're done with their gingerbread houses," Rachel says. "Gets them every time!"

"Preset the table before everyone gets there with a setting for each child. Give them a house, individual icing tube, and a sheet of old-school candy buttons," Rachel says.

"Portion out candy in bowls ahead of time and make this the centerpiece of the table," Rachel suggests. "[It] makes for a beautiful setting before everything gets started and makes it easily accessible for kids vs. packaged candy."

Kids sometimes need an example to go by. So Rachel suggests creating "one embellished gingerbread house ahead of time so the kids can get inspired!"

"Add some healthy options to the candy spread (like dried fruit or shredded coconut)," Rachel says. Otherwise, the house will become their meal.

Younger kids will need some help decorating their houses, so be prepared to get your hands (arms and sweater) a bit dirty in the process.

Encourage your kids to go crazy with their designs. Just because they made it doesn't mean they have to eat it!

"Healthy adult food prepared for kids (quesadillas, peanut butter and banana wraps, figgy toast, avocado toast) to counterbalance the sugar high," Rachel suggests. "If you opt for the morning soiree, minibagels (with all the fixings on the side), fruit, juice boxes, coffee — and maybe even a mimosa setup for the parents. If you go for lunch or dinner, minisliders (beef, veggie, and turkey) with fries (sweet potato, yucca, polenta) are a crowd-pleaser."

Though the well-crafted gingerbread houses can be gifts themselves, Rachel and the team at Cricket's Circle gave each child a decorated gingerbread man to go with their house.

Rachel's biggest piece of advice? "Have wipes handy! The kids will get a little messy, and fingers sticky, so definitely have a few containers nearby for de-gunking."

Don't forget to have fun. The house may not turn out as glamorous as Mom would have wanted, but if your child has a smile on his face, you should have one on yours, too!

Don't forget to think about how your guests will transport their creations home. Having a board and some plastic wrap will ensure that the houses make it home in as few pieces as possible.