It seems that everyone strives to achieve that designer look over the holidays. Some folks pay designers to create a theme, do the shopping, and pull it all together. (These clients usually request something along the lines of 4000 garland lights throughout their foyer, plus another 1000 around the front door.) Other people take vacation days in order to decorate without being rushed, and many more install separate power lines to accommodate their electrical needs of trees, lit animals, and moving yard displays.

Regardless of whether ones’ taste runs to gaudy or restrained, Christmas brings out the desire to decorate-and decorate on a grand scale. Huge displays are awesome but require time and energy. Therefore, countless individuals thus depend upon smaller decorations, which can be every bit as striking, and just as seasonally appropriate.

It’s common to find yuletide towels, salt/pepper shakers, napkin holders, wall hangings, and welcome mats, but not everyone wishes to see Santa and his elves grinning from every corner. For those who prefer elegant and classical holiday décor, there is nothing quite like the impact of a quality ornament, especially when constructed of fine materials such as metal, china or crystal. Here is a sampling of the newest designer ornaments is now available for the 2008-2009 holidays:

Swarovski Crystal

All annual edition ornaments are full clear-cut crystal, with silver-tone metal parts and year of issue tags, along with blue satin hanging ribbons. There are over 30 styles from which to choose, including such unique offerings as these angel wings and comets.

Waterford Crystal

A red or green pierced snowflake ornament is being offered from Jim O’Leary, their Design Director. With numerous, glittering facets and jeweled hooks, this design is indeed sophisticated and glamorous. Another interesting piece is the 2009 edition of the Times Square collection, “Let There Be Joy”, highlighting a stylized angel heralding in the New Year within a crystal ball ornament.

Baccarat Crystal

The talents of German designer Ingo Maurer were utilized to create a brilliant and spectacular snowflake to hang above Fifth Avenue and 57th Street in New York City during this year’s holiday season. A portion of the proceeds from the ornament sales will benefit UNICEF’s work in over 158 countries.

Lalique

China Mood’s Christmas Ornament 2008 is a simple, yet striking design of swirls, conveying the beautiful peace of the season for those whose taste runs more towards the abstract.

Nambe

Their 2008 Christmas collection includes religious ornaments that are decidedly upscale renditions of traditional themes. Four new selections this year include a figurative representation of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, a crèche, cross and a tree-all quite unlike the norm.

So many wonderful choices this year will make every designer’s job a joy!