Ted,
I really like what you are doing with the Christmas layout. The curves and angles are good. I have only made temporary Christmas snow layouts, although last year's version is still up in what is now a spare bedroom. On that, I used a high grade of batting, better than what you buy at the discount department or sewing/craft stores. Two years ago I sprinkled fake snow granules on everything. This past year I didn't, so it doesn't look like a fresh snowfall. On my permanent layout, I am planning a higher level town to use some of the Dept 56 style buildings we have, since we have more than we can use at Christmas. I too, will be looking for a more permanent solution.