Decorating a Shrieking Shack

[WesternOutlaw]

So I now have a Winter Toy Shop nestled under the fireplace mantel, but I'm looking to easily expand the old winter village.

I was looking at Harry Potter's Shrieking Shack (4756) thinking, here's a perfect set for a winter village add-on. The only problem is that it's a bit spooky and the Christmas Carolers seem to be avoiding the boarded building.

What might make the Shrieking Shack a little more festive?

Holiday decorating tips wanted

(or)

What other official LEGO sets might make a nice addition to a Winter Village?

Tips needed

[Wout]

Looks good. It blends in perfectly.

[Matn]

That whole set fits perfect under the christmas tree. I also did that a few years ago, but I've broken it down now for its usefull parts. I do hope to get my hands on it sooner or later. For other sets, buildings, I sometimes adjust the roof with a white plate or white slopes.

[Rick]

They go together really nicely, without much alterations

[lightningtiger]

I like it, 'The Brickster', I really like it.

Straight out of a Dicken's novel it is, you could pass it off as Scoorge's own house (post-ghostly visits).

Merry Christmas, 'The Brickster'.

[Zorbas]

That's a nice layout you're about to create there Brickster!

The two buildings look great next to each other.

Since you 're open to suggestions, I 'll just share my humble thoughts.

Many 1x1 lights can give a very festive look in the layout. You could also make some neon signs with those writing Merry Christmas.

Also try to add trees, the classic town ones.

A set that is very suitable for this season is the 6524 Blizzard Blazer.

Snow, snow, lots of snow!

You could also add a small barell with flames coming out from if you want to include a minifig like this one:

You can place minifigs offering him a turkey.

But please, use a classic smiley for him so he doesn't look too depressed.

I look forward for the final result TheBrickster!

I'm sure it will be great!

[Darth Legolas]

I wish I hadn't taken apart my shrieking shack now. I think I'm going to go make something holiday-ish too!

Thanks for the inspiration!

[Svelte]

Last year, my Xmas set up was a Shrieking Shack on top of the lovely icy blue/ white baseplate from the Alpha Team Ogel Mountain's Fortress, with some 8x8 trans medium blue plates for icy ponds (like the Town Plan ones) and some dark green trees as pines.

(This baseplate - one of my favourites!)

As I opened the Advent Calendar, that's where I put all the figs and little builds. I also added some landscaping details like little hills and a cobbled road down the middle of the baseplate. It was sweet looking but I don't know if I have any decent pics

One way to make it 100% instantly more Xmassy is to rebuild the Sweets shop that comes with the Shrieking Shack into something more substantial as it adds a nice touch to the village atmosphere and the dark orange provides some colour variation.

[WesternOutlaw]

Great ideas guys. Thanks for the tips. I love that snow plow. I spruced up 6444 Outback Airstrip last night to make a Christmas Tree lot. I'll have to take a look at the Arctic sets as well. I might be able to use one of the sleds.

[Tom Bricks]

I would also replace the black in the Shrieking Shack's chimney with grey. I think it will make it a little less spooky.

[Izzy]

I Modified mine after reading this thread, I took out all the grey because that is not such a cheery colour and replaced it with the dark orange from the Honeydukes. I think it looks pretty inviting now.

I also included a quick makeover of the transfiguration shed.

Here is a close up shot of the trans red and green lights I added under the eaves for a cheery Christmas feel.

[Rick]

Look like a friendly peaceful place indeed. Did you also managed to get rid of those shrieking sounds? 'Cause they weren't very Christmassy either

[Izzy]

Look like a friendly peaceful place indeed. Did you also managed to get rid of those shrieking sounds? 'Cause they weren't very Christmassy either

They are still there. But it is not a ghost, it is just my SigFig falling out of the top window. Haha!

[Ras 74]

Nice makeover of your Shrieking Shack Izzy! A real Christmas feeling to it.

I like that you put Zuloo in their to cover up what happends. Is it also KimT there, or is it the real Santa?

[Izzy]

I like that you put Zuloo in their to cover up what happends. Is it also KimT there, or is it the real Santa?

I couldn't find Zuloo's real head, It is the 'real' Santa, but we can say it is KimT for sure! Haha!

[WesternOutlaw]

Nice job Cutlass. I like the subtle Christmas additions. You also did a nice job on the magic box -clever.

[metalgearsolid]

If you have set 4728, Escape from Privet Drive, think the set would go with Winter Toy Shop too. I don't have a built pic to share unfortunately, but here is the brickset link:

http://www.brickset.com/detail/?set=4728-1