Christmastime can be delightful. It can also be a nightmare for many, whatever their religion or beliefs. The challenge for those who wish to celebrate: figure out ways to enjoy what’s good about the season (time with loved ones, general festivity) while avoiding what is bad (too much shopping, too much food, too many expectations).
One sure-fire way to maximize and extend the merriment, according to the Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, Calif., is to dazzle members and guests with an eye-catching, jaw-dropping, draped-in-holiday-cheer piece of culinary architecture: in this case, a scaled-down gingerbread replica of one of Sherwood’s two clubhouses.
“Usually, we have a grand tree in our main entryway [for the holiday season],” says Steve Wilson, the club’s Director of Membership & Communications. “But this year, a local baker who was looking to promote her services came to us with the idea of making the [clubhouse replica].
The baker, Lori Vreeke, was not only given the go-ahead by the club, but also blueprints and tours, to help create the 4 ft.-by-4 ft., completely edible reproduction. Vreeke even got her father, a pilot, to take some fly-over photos to ensure proper scale and authenticity.
All told, it took over 200 combined hours to create the structure, which includes Christmas trees, flag poles, fireplaces, golf carts and more. The construction is completely made of gingerbread, with accessories of sugar and edible candy.
“We thought it would be a truly original way to celebrate the season,” Wilson says. “Plus, it would give members yet another reason to be proud of—and show off—their club. And because we hosted the Chevron World Challenge this year, anywhere from 40,000 to 50,000 people have been able to see the gingerbread clubhouse.
“It certainly has become a bit of a conversation piece around here,” he adds. “We just hope no one tries to eat it before the end of the year!”
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