A shining snowflake and a beaded garland are stitched to a stocking to give the classic childhood chimney decoration a sophisticated adult look.

Glitter in an ombre pattern -- with one color blending gradually into another -- makes simple bells sparkle with sophistication.

Hang these icicles from the tips of Christmas tree branches, where they can imitate the real thing.

Transform old magazines into glittered table-top trees with this easy -- and kid-friendly -- step-by-step process.

Icy dewdrops -- actually sprays of clear beads -- deliver glimmers of brightness to an arrangement of silvery faux branches.

This fireworks-inspired twinkler serves as mood lighting for a holiday party -- and as year-round art once the rest of the baubles are packed away. Start by painting a stretched canvas from an art-supply store (we used a pale-pink latex paint). Then plot out your design by penciling dots on the back, keeping them a half-inch apart. Gently press an awl through each dot to make a hole slightly smaller than the diameter of the bulb (we went with strands of mini white Christmas lights). Press a bulb into each hole; secure each with craft clue. "Premiere Traditional" 30-by-40-inch canvas, $45, dickblick.com. Canvas paint (#E1-26) $90 per 2.5 liters, finepaintsofeurope.com for stores. Mini lights, $13 for 100 lights, partylights.com. White credenza, $7,800, DMI, 201-341-4848.

This beaded flower resembles a pretty snowflake. Display it on a tree or hang it above the table.

Pink and silver beaded ornaments look dazzling against a dark green tree.

These candles light up the room even without a flame, thanks to a dusting of superfine metallic glitter. To make: Place a few in a large box and coat with spray adhesive (sold at craft stores). "Wear a Michael Jackson-style mask while you do it," says deputy style and home editor Shane Powers. "And work in a well-ventilated area." Spoon glitter over the candles to  coat; let dry overnight. Candles, from $8 per dozen, jamaligarden.com. "Fine" glitter, $5, marthastewartcrafts.com.

Transform quail and chicken eggs into shimmering ornaments that look as beautiful displayed in a pretty bowl as they do hanging from the tree.

Usually strict evergreen loyalists, we fell in love with this cotton-candy-ish conifer. It's unabashedly festive, and you don't have to strap it to your car to bring it home. Traditional trimmings wouldn't cut it, so we wove jumbo lights in and out of its branches, then dangled glass globes and plastic balls, which have the sheen of soap bubbles. "Pretty in Pink" tree, $259, treetopia.com. White satin globe lights, $28 for 25-light set, partylights.com. "Iridescent Clear Glass" balls, $7 each, jamaligarden.com. "Snooze" chair, from $3,700, Ochre, 212-414-4332. "Dosa" pouf, $540, Calypso Home Christiane Celle, 212-925-6200.

This wood-veneer basket looks lovely hung from -- or positioned below -- a holiday tree.

Wired directly to the branches of a tree, this butterfly will look as though it's flown in and landed.

Create this glittering decoration by trimming a noble fir wreath with silvery ornaments and sprigs of seeded eucalyptus.

Fill the plastic balls for your pink Christmas tree with butterflies, beads, or a handful of glitter. Then tie a ribbon around each to hide the seam and create a loop for hanging. "Fillable" balls, from $1 each, sunshinecrafts.com

These snowflakes can be displayed in windows or hung above a holiday table.

Why not fashion a wreath from something that elicits a flutter of surprise? First, using the same method as the sparkly candles, coat a 12-inch composite wreath form with silver glitter. Then use craft glue to affix the bodies of 16 large butterflies to it at a variety of angles. Let dry. Glue the wires of 16 medium butterflies to the wreath form, placing them under and around the large butterflies. Let dry. Repeat for 16 small butterflies. Bend the wires to adjust their positions. Glue a length of 1-inch-wide satin ribbon to the back of the wreath to create a hanger. Floral and craft ring, $2, 3ringcirclues.com. Butterflies from $3 per dozen, B & J Florist Supply Co., 212-564-6086.

Even a dark wrought-iron candelabra can lighten up for the holidays: Ours is pretty in pink, thanks to a coat of paint. (Apply primer first.) Tuck cafe-au-lait-colored candles in the holders, and drape with crystal beads and strands. Finish it off with a snip of faux-liage and a stain ribbon for hanging. Chandelier, $15, eagle-emporium.com (painted in Eurolux #E2-12, $40 per liter, finepaintsofeurope.com for stores). Candles, from $29 for 24, creativecandles.com. Platinum bayleaf garland (similar to shown), $22 for 6 feet; "crystal" garland, $11; snowflake $5; "crystal drop" ornaments (hanging from candles), $3 each; all at jamaligarden.com

This doily tree-topper conjures images of folktales and snow-dusted forests.

These child-size paper parasols turn a side table into a winter wonderland. Plant them in miniature flowerpots filled with gravel. Tape the umbrellas open just a bit, then tuck in a cluster of batter-powered LED lights. To make the toppers: Accordion-fold a 14-inch length of pearlescent Mylar, staple it in the center, spread the folds to form a circle, and tape together. Affix to the tree with clear craft wax. Parasols, $5 each, pearlrivermart.com. "Cone Pearl" pots, from $3 each, and wire lights, $8, both at jamaligarden.com. Mylar tissue, $3 for five sheets, containerstore.com. Neisha Crosland "Merlin" wallpaper, $130 per roll, Walnut Wallpaper, 323-932-9166.

The traditional Christmas star becomes a shimmering beacon when coated with silver glitter and outlined with wired tinsel roping.

A delicate-looking wreath that creates the magical effect of candles flickering in the snow is easy to make and surprisingly sturdy.

These refined ornaments -- some brightened with gold or silver leaf, others tinted in soft pastels -- are among the dozens adorning Martha's own tree.

Golden beads become jewel-like decorations for a Christmas wreath.

Hang this wreath where it will be heard (on a door, for instance), and bring the ring of sleigh bells to all the rooms in the house.

This glowing dragonfly can be hung up or wired directly to branches.

These beaded golden napkin rings are sure to make a shimmering statement on the table.

Trim your tree with dancing figures and they'll spin whenever the boughs move.

Let easily crafted snowflake-inspired ornaments made of cloth, ribbon, veneer, string, and paper fill your tree.

Ornaments based on jasperware, the unglazed stoneware first produced by Wedgwood in the late 18th century, transform branches into a holiday display.

Dress up ordinary mistletoe with glitter, pinecones, silk ribbon, and silver spray paint.

Mimic the look of expensive Faberge eggs by making tree ornaments from cardboard egg boxes and ornate beads and trimmings.