Do you want to improve upon your holiday decorating skills, but don't know how? Not to worry.

Choosing one unifying theme for your holiday decor will create a harmonious atmosphere. This year, clean and crisp is key. I like to use silver and gold tones for a contemporary flair. A secondary detail color, such as a warm peach or a soft maroon, will produce a stunning highlight for a hip, yet warm environment.

The following are a few tips to help anyone's home shine this holiday season:

1. This year's en vogue decor begins with a clean and simple aesthetic. Select two basic elements, such as fresh miniature pears and peach satin ribbon to employ throughout your holiday embellishments, from the outdoor wreath to the Christmas tree. Keep it classic and clear for a stylish appeal.

2. Employ symmetry in your design to set all of your holiday guests at ease. Two large pots flanking your front door will provide a lasting first impression. This year, I suggest white poinsettias in a beautiful urn. Nestle some vibrant oranges at the base for a spark of color. Or use green pears their hushed hues will provide a subtle elegance.

3. If there is no room for a tree in your home, garlands present the perfect alternative to adorn your hallways and/or fireplace mantles without crowding the floor. Rich, red berries, small pears, and dried orange slices bejeweled with a golden silk bow will set the occasion with exquisite detail.

4. Adorn your coffee tables with large bowls or silver trays filled with pomegranates. The deep red and burgundy pigments will provide a captivating element to complement any interior. Brighten the display with your choice of colored ribbon to play upon the color scheme of your holiday decor.

5. This year's current events have made family gatherings more important than ever. Set aside a place in the family room or children's bedroom for a special children's tree. They can decorate the tree with stuffed toys, family snapshots, or other playful items tied with ribbon. This creative endeavor will offer your children a delightful opportunity to define their own space this holiday season.

6. For families with pets, a small tree dressed with festively colored bones and play toys will create a unique focal point. This can be a tabletop tree. My Wheaton Terrier, Murphy, loves the cheerful atmosphere and your children will enjoy decorating this tree on their own.

7. Silk ribbons tied into fanciful bows will enhance your entire interior. Use them to adorn sofa and chair pillows, tying your holiday color scheme into the original home decor.

8. Silver and blue tones offer a crisp and sophisticated color scheme. Adorn your tree or your entire residence with silver ornaments and blue ribbons for an elegant appeal. Include blue accents (delphinium) to set off your white poinsettias for an original arrangement.

9. Fill your flowerbeds with cyclamen. This white, fluffy flower will show your garden as a bed of freshly fallen Snow, evoking the spirit of the season. Use red accents to create a visual focal point in this winter wonderland. These flowers also work well in decorative pots at the front door.

10. Another festive creation is the photo tree. Adorn your tree with small, silver framed black and white photos tied to the tree with colorful bows. When the holidays are over, send them off as gifts for family and friends to be cherished forever.

Arthur McLaughlin previously worked at the Los Angeles design firm of James Northcutt and Associates, where he oversaw such projects including the creation of the Bel Air Hotel. Arthur later founded his own firm in L.A., Arthur McLaughlin and Associates, renovating and reselling properties just outside of Beverly Hills in the Sherman Oaks and Hancock Park areas. He currently works out of his San Francisco offices.