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Gingerbread houses go pro in stunning holiday displays
BC-US--Travel-Not Your Mothers Gingerbread-ref
"The Sphinx," a gingerbread creation from North End Grill, is on display in the lobby area of Le Parker Meridien Hotel in New York. - photo by Associated Press
NEW YORK— Out of the kitchen and into the hotel lobby: Gingerbread houses have gone from being a homemade project done with mom to professional exhibits designed by pastry chefs and sometimes even architects.And never mind the humble miniature: Some displays are life-size, while others depict entire villages. A few extravaganzas raise money for charity, while some include contests for home bakers. Many are part of larger Christmas celebrations at luxury hotels that also showcase decorated trees, Santa visits and holiday menus.