Gather gingerbread house pieces, royal icing, a sturdy base, and candy decorations
Bake or buy gingerbread panels for walls, roof, and optional door or chimney
Let all gingerbread pieces cool completely
Prepare thick royal icing for glue and decoration
Place a small amount of icing on the base where the first wall will go
Attach the four walls together with icing
Hold each piece in place until it starts to set
Add icing along the top edges of the walls
Attach the roof panels and support them until firm
Add chimney and other extra pieces with icing
Let the structure dry until fully stable
Pipe icing along seams and edges for reinforcement
Decorate with candy, sprinkles, and other edible decorations
Let the decorations set before moving the house
Store in a cool, dry place if not serving immediately