What's hot for Christmas decor this season?

Chartreuse tops the list says floral designer Mike Whittle of K. Mike Whittle Designs, 156 Church St. in Marietta.

His storefront is located off the Marietta Square in the old Clarke Library building, Cobb's first library building which opened in 1893. Having completely renovated the building, Whittle who specializes in unique floral designs serves Cobb and the metro Atlanta area. He started his career at age 13 at Jungle Florist in Smyrna. He has been in floral design in Cobb County for 40 years.

The brightly hued mix of yellow and green, chartreuse can hold its own with almost any color.

"Where we used Christmas green or evergreen, the new green is Chartreuse," Whittle said.

"Chartreuse is bold but if you mix it with other colors, it makes those other colors pop," said Whittle.

"Chartreuse mixed sparingly with traditional reds, whites and silver wakes up those other colors," he said.

"It's is a backdrop color," he added. "It makes anything pop no matter what."

Floral design takes its cue from the fashion industry, according to Whittle. The compelling color flooded the fashion scene in 2009.

"If you like it in a dress, you'll like it in ribbons and things to decorate," he said.

Making its way from the fashion runway to the entranceway and hallway, chartreuse pairs easily with customary colors and objects. "I love to go to a client's home and pull out everything they have," said Whittle. "Things they've had for years we can give a brand-new look to by using a color like Chartreuse."

Like flowers, decorating evokes feelings depending on the occasion. This season, in addition to flowers and greenery, Whittle recommends incorporating Chartreuse into Christmas decor by using items such as ribbon, ornaments and candles.

"Chartreuse is a happy color," he stated, "Put it with a subdued color like brown or traditional color like red, and you'll get a very sophisticated feel."