19 Gorgeous Gingerbread Houses

These gorgeous gingerbread houses are sure to serve as adequate inspiration as you begin buckle down to work to construct your annual confectionery structure. Yes, it's that time of year again, so bust out the icing and gumdrops and get ready to construct the perfect edible abode.

Gingerbread houses are admittedly a strange tradition. To some they are nothing but a waste of delicious sugar; dull ornaments that could be otherwise eaten, but to the converted gingerbread houses are downright necessary. Without a doubt they are a symbol of season, a reason for pastry chefs the world over to show off their skills with lavish constructions held together by sugary mortar and crisp, cakey walls. Serious architects are even getting in on the fun constructing lavish structurally sound confectionery castles.

Whether it's a time-honored tradition in your home or it's your first time handling edible building materials, these gorgeous gingerbread houses will inspire you to create something beautiful and delicious.