Here are some holiday decorating tips from the experts:

• Repeat elements such as colors, shapes and textures throughout a room. Designer Diane Kane Kane tucks pheasant feathers in mantel garland and in a centerpiece on a nearby table. Designer Christina Lynn Miller repeats sparkly snowflake ornaments and plum-colored balls in several vignettes.

• For a professional-looking tree, choose a theme, but limit the number of different elements (such as birds, poinsettias, snowflakes, etc.).

• When choosing holiday-themed accessories, “simpler is better,” said decorator Rhonda McElroy. “Only use a few statement pieces, such as a bouquet of dried hydrangeas and roses.”

• Mix textures, such as smooth and matte finishes, for visual interest in arrangements.

• Juxtapose rustic items (feathers, pine cones, spruce garlands) with sleek ones (mercury-glass spheres, burgundy ribbon).

• Try battery-operated candles and lights. There are more style choices, they’re safer than flame candles, and some have an automatic shut-off. Plus, a lit garland can be draped and wrapped anywhere because no outlet is required.

• Add dimension to your décor by twisting together three different artificial garlands (such as pine, cedar and one with silver foliage), then wrap the garland around a mirror or drape it across a mantel.

• In a contemporary-style home, try a tall, slender tree strung with lights and trimmed with only a few decorative picks and ornaments.

• Soften silver finishes with touches of antique gold.

• For a finishing touch, place small ball ornaments (all in one color) inside glassware in a china cabinet.