I place vases of ivy everywhere, sometimes concealing the vase and weaving the ivy in and out of other decorations on the piano, up the wall and over picture frames, or spilling off the edges of the mantle. At Thanksgiving, I weave it around and around the punch bowl, forming an airy wreath, and tuck sprays of baby's breath and a few pine cones in among the leaves. I use it in many Christmas arrangements. A simple brass container of holly and a needle evergreen, such as pine or yew, is so delightfully old fashioned - like a picture print by Currier and Ives. Add shiny colored balls, perhaps some candles, and a bright bow.
Variegated hollies are especially lovely, but they have fewer berries.
That's where another of my favorites comes in. Nandina - is a durable and attractive plant. Although it keeps a rather low profile in the garden, no one can miss the generous clusters of small, bright red berries that appear in fall. I divide these into smaller clusters and use them to add color to my green arrangements. For a special dinner, tuck these small clusters of berries into each napkin ring, with or without a sprig of holly.