You've probably seen them in various shops . . . those often garishly painted (and snow covered) ceramic "Christmas Buildings".
Every year I keep my eye out for them since they're often priced very economically. I just purchased eight of them day before yesterday for $2.24 Candian (currently about $1.90 US, 1.21 UKL, 1.49 euros) each.
Seriously, as long as you avoid the ones with automobiles, etc. you can easily turn these into very usable buildings for the table top.
Simply re-painting the roofing (and snow) a new color can make a world of difference. And by the way, painting the same building with differing roof colors can turn two of the same building into two 'different' buildings (particularly if placed at different angles.
Yes, it also helps to re-paint the garish "Christmas" bunting, etc. . . . but truly the real difference maker is the roof. Keep your eye open and when you see a few at a good price, pick them up and give this a try . . . I think that you'll appreciate the result. I know that I do.
-- Jeff
PS, Each year new houses come out . . . so you can add new shapes during the coming years.
