REPRODUCTION CHRISTMAS SCENE FIGURES ARE FOR SALE

You can update your old set of tiny 1930s painted metal figures that make Christmas scenes on a tabletop or mantel. The original figures by Barclay were dressed in 19th-century costumes. In the 1940s, more figures were made in contemporary costumes. These figures have been made again this year using the 1940s molds. It's easy to spot the repros if you are a collector of old ones. The new figures are solid; originals were hollow.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER IDEAS

Here's the latest inexpensive kitchen makeover idea from a British designer: Create an "unfitted kitchen" without built-in cabinets or appliances. Instead, use free-standing cabinets and appliances in a variety of shapes and materials. Try simple shelves instead of cabinets, use an island to work on, and limit other countertop space. It will look like a kitchen from the 1930s. This idea might go over in England, but U.S. kitchen makeover TV shows stress how important matching appliances, cabinets, trim, and tile or granite countertops (and a budget topping $25,000) are if you want to impress people and sell your house.