Decking the Halls

Atlanta interior designer Dan Carithers uses natural materials and his prized collections in his holiday decorations. Here are tips for re-creating the look in your own home.

• Keep it simple. Choose an accent color, such as red, green, or white, and repeat it throughout the house.

• Fill bowls with berries or other colorful fruit for easy spots of color. Cherries and cranberries are particularly striking in clear or colored glass bowls.

• Decorate the path or driveway leading to your front door. Create luminaria to illuminate a pathway, or place bows on mailboxes and lampposts.

• Wreaths on and around the front door welcome guests. Keep it simple with a cedar garland garnished with a red bow or try more creative materials like gold-painted magnolia leaves, wreathes made of nuts and pinecones, or even wreaths of mums.

• Use your collections -- there's no reason to not bring out your finest. Collections of blue-and-white porcelain can be hung on the wall around a wreath. Groups of antique silver candlesticks add sparkle to the mantel. Find a way to incorporate the pieces you love in your holiday decorating scheme for a more personal look.

• Think beyond poinsettias. Red tulips, roses, or white flowers in simple vases make beautiful centerpieces or accents for side tables.

• Pull out all the stops for your holiday dinner. Light candles, use your finest linens, and enjoy the company of friends and family.