Last weekend, I hosted a Gingerbread Man–themed dinner party that felt a bit like stepping into a sugary fairy tale. My parents joined us, along with my former co‑worker Rob and his wife Beth, all gathering around a table transformed into a tiny gingerbread village. I built the houses using a King Arthur set, and then my mom added the perfect finishing touches—tucking in fresh greens and delicate baby’s‑breath around them.

Gingerbread Man Calzones – Pizza dough cut with a Gingerbread man cookie cutter, filling – Ricotta, Parmesan, Asiago, Mozzarella, salt, and pepper, baked until golden

Tomato Sauce – Mom made her usual sauce but pureed it to be easy for dipping

Boston Lettuce Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette – Boston Lettuce, toasted almond slivers, Unexpected Cheddar from Trader Joe’s, apples cut with small Gingerbread man cutter, dipped in water with lemon, Cinnamon details (with round end of a toothpick)

Parmesan Shaved Roasted Brussels Sprouts – I chopped the Brussels Sprouts in my food processor before proceeding with the recipe. It reduced the cooking time.

Homemade Pumpkin Ice Cream with Trader Joe’s Caramel Sauce

Gingerbread Man Cookie with Buttercream Frosting