A couple of weeks ago, some of our dear readers and friends helped us spread the Christmas spirit with our first ever Gingerbread Barn Building Competition! Aprons were tied, holiday music was playing, coffee was brewed and game faces were on. We were so glad that our dear friend Nancy Ray was on hand to help capture the fun on camera!

About 40 Southern Weddings readers joined us in the beautiful Hill Ballroom at the Carolina Inn to show off their gingerbread building chops. Among the supplies were dozens of piping bags full of yummy Sugarland royal icing, boxes full of peppermint from Hammond’s Candies, marshmallows, pretzels, M&Ms, Hershey’s kisses, holiday-shaped chocolate, red hots, candy canes, and sprinkles galore! (And of course, animal crackers! They’re barns, after all!)

The Carolina Inn was wonderful to us and provided coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cookies to keep sugar highs at bay.

After an hour and half of intense construction and decorating, it was time for official judging by the Southern Weddings ladies! We chose one winner and three runners-up in categories like “Most Barn-Like, “Most Enthusiastic” and “Best Structure.”

Our grand prize winners, Andrea and Kat won gift cards to Minted! Our three runners-up received a Southern Weddings tote bag full of V2, V3, and V4!

All in all, it was a wonderful night and had a blast getting to know everyone, seeing their beautiful gingerbread creations and sneaking candy. We were so happy Nancy Ray was there to document the night and that Lara, Ari and baby Grace stopped by!

Happy Holidays, y’all!

*Minted is a Southern Weddings sponsor.