Purchased in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, these sparkling garlands called festones are made with Mylar and drinking straws in classic white and a variety of colors.

Colorful cut-tissue-paper banners called papel picados originated as fiesta decorations in Mexico but have long been a popular design element in the southwestern United States. They are used indoors and out, along vigas and under portales, and are available in plastic and paper, from dollhouse size to three-foot banners. Motifs vary from Day of the Dead to first communion and everything in between. Prices vary greatly depending on size, material, and intricacy of design, generally starting under $10. Papel picado banners are widely available in New Mexico, including at these two local retailers: Pachamama 223 Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM, 505/983-4020. ¡Qué Chula! 3410 Central Avenue SE, Albuquerque, NM, 505/255-0515, quechulastyle.com.

Sold separately and available in A through Z, these whimsical characters let you cover your walls with your favorite verse. Each wire letter is garnished with faux pearls and hangs from a sheer ribbon. Approximately 10 inches tall, $9 per letter. Poem 125 East Palace Avenue, #30, Santa Fe, NM, 505/820-7884.

Artist Martha Cooke fashions one-of-a-kind garlands with the paper ends left from making monoprints. Using beautiful archival paper painted and stamped with watercolors, Cooke attaches her handmade flags to cotton twine with archival glue. Hang the finished product vertically or horizontally to dress up a room or decorate for a celebration. Four-foot strands, $15 each. The handmade garlands are made to order. Martha Cooke Santa Fe, NM, 505/930-9151, cookemarthaj@gmail.com.

Japanese origami cranes are believed to bring luck and compassion to the home. It’s worth a try, considering they are sure bets for bestowing color and beauty. One of One in Santa Fe gives these garlands a Southwestern twist by calling them origami ristras. Prices range from $20 to $50. One of One 1609A Alcaldesa Street, Santa Fe, NM, 505/983-7939.

These beautiful silk mobiles bring the forest into your home. Each mobile features a different type of foliage—red Japanese maple, gray flat leafed, or green ginkgo. Other available varieties include golden and orange aspen leaves. Prices range from $135 to $185. One of One 1609A Alcaldesa Street, Santa Fe, NM, 505/983-7939.