Every year, the Pantone Color Institute ( and other groups) come up with the color trends in everything-- home decor, fashion, even Christmas themes. So for those of you who pay attention to those people instead of choosing what YOU like, here are our best suggestions for Christmas 2009:

1. RIOT of RED-- Saturated red without the complementary shades of green. Our favorites are Ilex, also known as winterberry; Amaryllis; Roses; and Carnations.

2. WOODLAND-- A neutral theme to be sure, with wood and bark, branches, and cones. We love Curly Willow in yellow; Magnolia leaves with their coppery brown reverse; Chocolate roses of any variety, but Moreno being especially lovely; and Pinon cones.

3. WINTERGREEN-- Softer greens, creams and naturals dominate this palette, with an emphasis on reclaimed glass and distressed finishes. Our fav flower has to be Green Goddess Calla Lilies-- doesn't their name make you want to rush out and plan an all girl get together at the next full moon? Vendela roses would also look nice with this theme, or Green Cymbidium Orchids.

4. ESTATE-- Does this theme make you think of vintage jewelry, Mercury glass, fur & feather trims and soft pink? Narcissus, Sweet Akito (soft pink) roses, and White Hydrangeas would be our choice for this palette

5. CANDYLAND-- the name says it all. For folks who love the crisp combination of red and white together, we suggest Peppermint Carnations; Striped Amaryllis; and the myriad of bi-colored Roses.

6. COFFEE SHOP-- America's obsession with chocolate has an outlet! Manufacturers are producing food shaped ornaments for the tree and elsewhere-- the doughnuts, chocolates, cookies and cakes look real. If this coppery brown look is appealing to you, we'd suggest Hypericum, Chocolate Cymbidium Orchids, and evergreens with the cones still attached.

7. AMERICANA-- this theme is characterized by deep reds, faded blues and off whites. True red Pointsettias, Blue Hydrangeas, & Cream Gerbera daisies look great with these hues.

8. RETRO TECHNO-- features a vibrant cacaphony of color, geared toward the Facebook generation. Brilliant color, and lots of it along with retro icons in subdued modern hues. Flowers for this palette could be anything, and everything! Lime green Hypericum with Orange Gerbera Daisies; Hot Pink & Yellow Gloriosa Lilies; Lime Green & Fucshia Cattaleya Orchids, the possibilities are endless!

There you have it-- 8 great themes, and surely at least one will appeal to you. It's a gentle shifting -- you incorporate into your current decorations, kind of editing your collection, to come up with a look that fits you.

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