Hallmark Magazine has a section in it called "Nest", where they feature house dressing and I really liked the one this month (November '08) where with they suggested grouping similar objects together to create striking vignettes. (Top - using a hodgepodge of paintings or photos by grouping them together. They suggested to make sure every piece is framed - they don't need to match). Photographs: Scott Gibbons; Photostylist: Zoe Karro.

Rectangular handled platters from Vietri
Also suggested was a collection of mirrors (love that idea), porcelain animals or clocks