When it comes to decking out the dining room for Christmas, tiny trees make a big statement according to Christopher Radko. Radko, who rose to fame 20 years ago with his brilliant handblown glass ornaments from Eastern Europe, loves little trees as much as those that tower. Little trees are the perfect place to show off creativity, infuse a bit of winter whimsy and display collections that might not make it to the big tree. “People spend quite some time in the dining room over the holidays, so it’s a chance to do something great,” Radko said. “You can let your imagination go wild. You can go in a different direction than you would in the living room. You can have a different theme. It’s a chance to let your creative juices flow.” “Not everyone’s millionaire,” Radko said. “It’s really the thought that goes into it. In the dining room you can have more fun. It’s not like the living room. You don’t have to be as traditional as in the living room.” From winter wonderland trees adorned with birds and holly boughs to confectionery creations that play on candy canes and gingerbread men, themes of nature and culinary delights speak to the heart of the holidays, Radko said. In homage to nature, Radko recommends taking a cue from the florals of the season. Small conifers often need little more than several fragrant flowers tucked between the branches for a festive feel. “Holiday florals are not just about poinsettias anymore,” Radko said. “There are so many flowers that are red and white that work wonderfully -- amarillus, antherium and tuberose -- and pink is a hugely popular color for Christmas these days.” In the dining room, truly, anything goes. “You can be really creative with the ornaments. You don’t have to put them on a traditional Christmas tree,” Radko said. “You might not have room for a tree, but you can display ornaments on wreaths or hang them from a chandelier with big bows.” A single ornament suspended on the wall from a wide red ribbon also makes a striking decoration, Radko said. “A lot of people have also been using their ornaments in centerpieces. They fill a crystal fruit or compote bowl with iridescent grass or tinsel, then pile a bunch of glass ornaments inside. It’s very sparkly and it makes a great centerpiece. Some people even place a finial or tree topper over a candlestick and then it becomes an architectural centerpiece for the table or sideboard -- just have a little champagne and let your imagination do the rest. “Anything you do at the holidays to enhance the home is wonderful and appreciated, but ultimately it’s all about just being with each other, connecting with each other and cherishing that time together.”