Arranging your keep sakes, collections and other objects can seem like a difficult task, but it doesn't have to be. If you follow these simple steps, you are guaranteed to create a pleasing arrangement.

Steps for finding the perfect arrangement.

1. Trust your instincts. You will be the one who lives with your arrangements, so you will want them to be pleasing to YOUR eye.

2. View your arrangements from different angles and distances. Take a good look before you move onto the next arrangement.

3. Try different arrangements with your objects to see what you like. Experiment. Take pictures of your arrangements for future reference. This will be good if your 1st arrangement is the one you liked best out of 10 different arrangements. The picture will show you exactly what you did.

4. Live with your arrangements for a few days. You retain the right to change your mind. No arrangement has to be permanent. If you decide after a few days that you don't like your arrangement, refer back to your pictures during your experimenting to find a new arrangement.

Basic Grouping of Objects

Same or similar objects

Using the same objects can be a bit boring and predictable. Similar objects look best when grouped together. Here are some examples of how to choose objects that are similar.
1. Same vases, each with 1 same flower, but each flower a different color
2. Same candles, but a different height or width
3. Same frames, but each with a different picture (but all photos in black and white or all in color). Group pictures that relate to each other (vacation, family, etc.)

Group an odd number of objects

Odd number of objects look best when using similar objects in a cluster or in a row. Even number of objects look best when making a grid formation.
1. Cluster formation is great for candles or small photo frames on a table. You need to have different heights in your objects to make a cluster. The largest in the back, medium to the right front and the smallest to the left front of the largest.
2. Row formation is simply objects placed in a line like on your mantle.
3. Grid formation is good for medium to small pictures. A grid of 4 is the most common (2 across, 2 down).

Process for Arranging Objects

Simple Arrangements

Using 1 or 2 of the principles for arranging objects is good for small spaces, window sills, small tables, or center pieces.

Dramatic Arrangements

These arrangements will take more time to create as you have many more options. These arrangements work great for large spaces, eclectic collections or shelves. Here are some more tips for creating dramatic arrangements.

1. Decide where you want to create the arrangement. This is important because then you will have some parameters for the amount of objects that you can display. You will also know any height restrictions you might have for objects like on a set of shelves.

2. What kinds of objects do you want to display?

- Decide on the main focus (plates, books, candles, etc.)
- Decide on a secondary focus
- have other options for fill ins like small candles or small knick knacks

3. Place the largest objects 1st. Don't put all of the large objects on 1 side. Keep the left and right balanced.

4. Place the secondary objects. Keep the left & right balanced.

5. Fill in with the small objects.

6. Step back and access your arrangement.
- Is the left and right balanced for height & size?
- Is the left and right balanced for color? Light & dark? Neutral & accent?
- Do you have enough objects to fill the space?
- Do you have too many objects for the space?
- Do the objects relate to each other?
- Do you like the arrangement?

7. Take a picture of the arrangement. Then make some changes. Make changes even if you like it. You never know... You might like the next arrangement even better. Keep repeating until you find the arrangement that you like the best.