We liked having a theme in 2003, so we continued the idea in 2004.  This time we chose Holiday Town.  All houses made had to fit in *somehow* in Holiday Town. It could be the Shamrock Shake factory in the St. Patrick's Day part of town. It could be a beer hall from the Oktoberfest part of town.  We hoped it'd spark some creativity, and our friends did not disappoint -- nobody did Christmas!

One new thing this year was colored foils -- we'd had some left over from our wedding favors, and after liking how it looked we picked up some additional colors.  They seemed to be a big hit for covering the bases, so we'll plan on getting more for next year.

Sadly, in reviewing the pictures, I realized that I didn't take NEARLY enough from the party!  So this year doesn't have as many as previous years.  Oh well, there's always 2005's party in which to make it up. :)

  The calm before the storm...house construction supplies, awaiting use...

  Jay Lorch and Michelle Teague celebrate Thanksgiving, with this lovely scene from the Tofurky ("Most Likely to Inspire a Sale of Cheeseburgers") ranch.  Caramel candies have been softened and stretched to create the mock Tofurkies, with slivered almonds becoming their feathers.  A rainbow flag of Froot Loops ("Healthiest") welcomes alternate lifestyles, while a member of PETA ("Most Likely to be Attacked by Rabid Hamsters") watches from a cart in back.  Hidden from view behind the house, a worker OD's on KFC.

  It's April Fool's Day in Mike Dashow's creation ("House I'd Tell My Mom I made, Even if I Didn't").  The Necco-wafer shingled roof has given way to a jester ("Class Clown"), popping up connected to wire twisted to form a spring ("Most Kinetic").  Jellybeans spell out an amusing and colorful message, as green and orange diamonds adorn the walls.

  Nicole Teague and Alan Winson team up on a kit-based house to honor Indigenous Peoples Day  for their first time here ("Rookie of the Year").  Motley gumdrops ("Best Use of Color") echo the colors of the peoples of the world, as two oversized fondant representatives ("Best Use of Partially-Clothed People") stand out front to greet all.  Royal icing icicles drip off the roofline, while shingles are denoted by additional icing.

  With a red base and red roofing, what else could it signify other than May Day ("Most Esoteric")?  Les Addison used mini pasta letters to spell out a patriotic proletariat message, now jumbled, and miniature red chips to adorn the roof.  Sadly the system, er, house could not sustain itself ("Biggest Metaphor") and crumbled to its base ("Most in Need of a General Contractor")

The source of jack-o-lanterns is displayed in my homage to Halloween.  Orange and black dominate throughout, from the colored almond paste pumpkins ("Most Likely to be Made into Pie") to the frosted pillars ("Best Use of Struts") to the divided light windows.  The meringue ghosts ("Most Likely to Frighten Children") who run the place keep watch from above.

  Christian Coalition Day ("Scariest", "House Representing the Best Made-Up Holiday") shouts its presence courtesy of Gabe and Sarah Morgan.  The prefab house pieces have been cut and reshaped ("Eric Brooks Annual Honorary Award for Biggest Waste of Adam & Erica's Time Baking Gingerbread, only to have their Work Made a Mockery of") to form a monument to the 10 Commandments with a patriotic red, white, and blue decorating scheme.  Other pieces have been turned into pedestals, forming bases to hold the babies impacted by these policies..

  Yes, those are what you think they are.  Scott Pullman, Erin Peltzman, and Amy Trimmer commemorate Breast ("Got Milk?") Cancer ("Most Carcinogenic") Awareness Month in their white and pink creation.  The halves of plastic eggs separate to adorn the roof, with concentric pink and red icing ("Nippliest") providing detail.  Silver dragees on either side indicate a piercing, as an overly-endowed woman in front relaxes.

  It's President's ("Most Commanding") Day, thanks to John Gardner and Ge Blind.  The pieces from two houses were combined to form this home to our nation's leader ("Least Likely to Inspire Confidence").  While trouble is afoot out front ("Most Likely to Create a Riot") and the political graveyard is full of victims, the house remains calm thanks to its cool blue colored windows contrasting with the dominant white of the house.

  Erica Cleary shows her love of Valentine's Day ("Most Important Day of the Year") in this candy-covered ("Sweetest") creation.  Chocolate (yes, chocolate!) ("Lowest Boiling Point") was tempered and used in the molds to create a delicious structure.  Pink icing covers the roof and provides a base for the boxed candies, while the color is carried forward in window and door trim.  Miniature red chips give contrast to the smooth walls.  PS:  It's chocolatey.

  John and Ge are hard at work on the White House...

  While Gabe cuts pieces to create the Ten Commandments.

  Les and house, when structural fortitude was still present.

  Mike is busily creating the custom shapes to go into the oven.

  And here they are, cooling before usage.

Still not enough?

Have you seen any good gingerbread houses on the net? Let me know and I'll post a picture here for all to see.

Last updated: Sunday, December 30, 2007