This is the fifth year of gingerbread house decorating at Fulton Manor and we had our biggest turnout ever. First, I bake and assemble the houses ahead of time over the weekend so the royal icing has time to solidify.
14 houses were put together for this year's decorating event but altogether, with party centerpieces and coffee shop displays, we have decorated 19 so far.
Then, the candy is divided ahead of time with each table getting a nice assortment along with a good amount of cement (royal icing). Finally, the residents have at it with a fair amount of frosting-filled, finger-licking, and candy-munching thrown in. What we are especially proud of is the support we get from the rec-therapy staff and the wide variety of residents that participate. Fulton Manor is a continuum of care facility with not only independent living, but assisted living, nursing, and dementia care as well and all levels were well represented this year. One table of four had 3rd year veterans from a memory care unit and they basically decorated the house this year on their own. Later this week we will assemble them into a village (if I get my display piece done).