"Flowers and candles are quick change artists," says Lyn Peterson, interior designer and author in New Rochelle, N.Y. "Put away the white blooms and the candles of outdoor lanterns. Arrange orange and violet fall flowers and amber column candles. You have changed the personality of your room, and without spending a fortune."

This dynamic pair will also warm the long, dark days of winter with a cozy, inviting atmosphere.

"Replace autumn hues with fiery red flowers and the glow of tapers," says Peterson. "Once again your mood and your room or your table have been transformed."

Both flowers and candles come in so many shapes and colors. The pairing of these seasonal decorations throughout your home is virtually unlimited. Imagine:

--Fresh flowers and fall leaves as a colorful accent at the base of taper candles in the dining room;

--A flower-filled gourd accompanied with small pumpkin candles on your front porch;

--Multi-colored bouquets in square containers, parading with pillar candles the length of a coffee table.

Peterson recommends coordinating your flower and candle choices. Full, round flowers, draping gracefully over the edge of their container, balance the vertical element of tall candles. A circle of vines, greens, and flowers will enliven a group of pillar candles.

It's also fun to mix and match colors. Saffron blooms add contrast to green candles. A bowl of red and white flowers unite a collection of candles in different shades of red.

Fresh blooms and candles can take a holiday party or family gathering from festive to magical. For a celestial impact, multiply their luminous beauty by positioning flowers and candles in front of a mirror. To strike a whimsical note on a buffet, add color to a garland of evergreens with flowers. Then, let it twinkle with the flickering light of white star candles.