The holidays always manage to bring out the creative side of people — whether for good or ill. Just last year two leading retailers started selling upside-down Christmas trees. Yep. Inverted, artificial conifers hung from the ceiling. Why you ask? More room on the floor for gifts, of course. (And the entertainment possibilities are endless. Imagine introducing said tree to a guest who's had one too many glasses of Grandma's "special" eggnog. A priceless moment, I tell you.)

For garden center people, the big question always is, "What will customers flip for this year?" For that we turn to the latest report from Christmasworld, otherwise known as "The World of Celebration and Decoration at the International Frankfurt Fair." This trade show focuses on European markets — Germany in particular. But many American suppliers have already picked up these hot new trends.

In Christmasworld, festive glitz, glitter and glamour were all the rage. In 2005, simple forms and natural materials were en vogue. This year look for more luxurious materials like crystal, pearls, satin and brocade.

Exciting color contrasts will also be in demand. Black and white will be particularly popular. Young, adventurous consumers (a.k.a. whippersnappers) will likely experiment with even bolder combinations like black and green or black and pink.

If you're looking for some on-trend stuff to deck the halls, check out Kurt S. Adler. This company's got the black and white thing down pat. And Raz Imports has got you covered with some bright and bold combinations.

If you're looking for even more exciting insights on trends, (C'mon. You know you are!) click here to visit our blog.