Deck The Halls with HGTVs Carter Oosterhouse
December 3, 2012 at 5:56 pm
by familycircle
Carter Oosterhouse puts the finishing touches on a gingerbread house at Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City, Mich. (John L. Russell/AP Images for Great Wolf Lodge)
Enjoying winter’s magic “doesn’t mean you need to be ultra crafty,” says HGTVs Carter Oosterhouse. “Designing and decorating with all five senses in mind is key,” he explained while sharing décor tips. He also dished on his latest project, 11 life-size gingerbread houses for Great Wolf Lodge resorts, North America’s largest indoor water-park destination.
What simple design tips can add a holiday touch to the home?
Make sure your décor is personal; it’s the thought, not expense, that matters. An easy DIY idea is to decorate photo frames with your favorite candy and fill with family pictures—a meaningful yet fun activity for everyone. Also, creating a music play list is a great way to keep the mood alive throughout the season. And don’t be afraid to add color around the house—green, red and silver are always inviting.
What was the inspiration behind building life-sized gingerbread houses?
Great Wolf Lodge throws annual winter wonderland celebrations at each of their nationwide locations, which includes hourly snowfalls and caroling. They even host a North Pole University where kids can master activities such chimney sliding on a water slide with their parents. This year, they invited me to renovate their gingerbread houses—pretty incredible and obviously something I’ve never done before. For just $20 you’re able to dine inside the house with proceeds benefiting local Big Brothers Big Sisters chapters. It’s such a nice way to positively impact your local community during the holidays.
Great Wolf Lodge gingerbread house at Traverse City, MI.
What are the houses built out of?
They’re made from 1600lbs of sugar, 200lbs of popcorn and more frosting that you can imagine. We incorporated gumdrop and chocolate poinsettias, gingerbread brick and even rock candy icicles. Plus, they’re completely edible—not sure if dentists would approve.
How did you decorate your home this season?
My wife and I decided to add hints of red to one room; it created an instant holiday feel and set the tone.
Get an inside look at one of the houses here. For more information about Snowland festivities or to plan a visit at Great Wolf Lodge, visit greatwolf.com/snowland.
- Moni Briones
This Gingerbread House is a Snap 
Easy Dining Room Style… 
