ORNAMENTAL JOURNEY; THEME PIECES, HEIRLOOMS TAKE THE PLACE OF COLORFUL BULBS.

Byline: Gabrielle Gross Special to the Daily News

`` ... all tucked in their beds with visions of ...' no, not sugarplums ... ornaments. Christmas tree ornaments. You know, handblown Italian glass wreaths, candy canes, macaroni trees ... those multicolored balls from Kmart.

These days, ornaments come in all shapes, sizes and prices. The ones you choose to hang on your tree can be a great way to express your individuality or showcase your family's tastes.

And the choices are endless.

Of course, these priceless little baubles are a far cry from the ornaments of the first known Christmas trees decorated in medieval Germany. The ``Paradise Tree'' was a type of evergreen that was adorned with apples and used in a play about Adam and Eve. The tradition later evolved to include other ornamental items, including nuts, fruits, paper roses, painted eggshells, cookies and candies. The first trees in the United States were those of the German settlers in Pennsylvania in the early 1800s; today most of world that celebrates the Christmas holiday uses some sort of tree.

But hanging food isn't as trendy as it was in the old days. Now it's glass and novelties that dominate the trees we decorate, with themes for every home and hobby. Animals, cartoon and movie characters and historically inspired pieces are now in a fierce battle against more traditional bulbs and balls vying for the bare branch.

On a recent shopping trip, we discovered enough new designs to cover the forest - or at least the local Christmas tree lot. No matter that you've got boxes of them gently packed in tissue in the attic, garage, closet and that big box under the bed. There's always room for more.

Animals, home and hobby

Want to walk on the wild side of decorating? Do you like polar bears, frogs or butterflies? The Nature Company and the Daily Planet catalog have a great selection of these creatures and many more that will really liven up your tree. They range in price from $6 to $19.50. To order call the Daily Planet at [phone] and the Nature Company at [phone], or check out the Nature Company in the local malls. If you like birds, try Victoria's Cottage in the Promenade Mall. They have peacock ornaments covered in fluffy pink feathers with small tails for $2.99 or bigger birds for $6.99.

Another great place for hunting up your animal ornaments is the Lands End catalog. It has hand-carved chickadees and red cardinals from Massachusetts ($39.50 for a set of two). They also sell ``wee sheep'' ornaments from Scotland; they come in a flock of five for $27.50 and are little wooden critters wound with fleecy Scottish wool. And as if those weren't cute enough, spy out the German figurines in hand-blown, hand-painted glass that were inspired by antique chocolate molds ($48 to $68 each) or the wool angels from New Hampshire (two for $19.50). You can reach Lands End at [phone].

You'll be sowing the seeds of happiness for your gardener with a set of miniature garden tools crafted in steel and wood from the Gardeners Supply Company. The seven-piece set is $19.95, and the number to call is [phone].

LLadro, the company known for fine porcelain, has some great collectible ornaments, too. If you have a royalty fan, take a look at the 4-inch King Gaspar for $75 and a 2-inch ``Little Roadster'' at $79 for your auto enthusiast. LLadro ornaments are available at department stores, including Macy's, and at the LLadro boutique in Beverly Hills.

Cartoon and movie characters

Since this is Los Angeles, land of movie stars, what about a little glass-blown Charlie Chaplin for $17.95; Elvis for $32; Lassie for $22; or a Nancy & Sluggo duo for $15.95. They're available at Carlton Cards and other American Greeting outposts.

For cartoon-inspired decorations, check out the new ornaments by that high-profile designer Christopher Radko at the Disney and Warner Bros. Studio Stores. Disney is offering Radko designs inspired by the characters in ``The Little Mermaid'' at $42 each.

Warner Bros. Studio Store has Radko's Sylvester and Tweety stocking ornaments at $65 for the set, as well as a bright 10-inch Taz ``sprite'' for $48. While you're there, don't forget to check out the Scooby-Doo and Scrappy, Bugs Bunny, and Daffy Duck ornaments. The kids will love them.

Historical or worldly

If you're looking for a tree with a worldly or historical flair, try the Discovery Channel catalog or Cost Plus.

The Discovery Channel has ornaments that are inspired from the 18th century and feature three wise men and a Nativity scene painted on the inside of hand-blown glass. In their pre-packaged silk box, they're perfect for gift-giving at $18. They also offer three different ornaments bearing the image of Mary and baby Jesus. Icons symbolized good luck and fortune to the ancient Byzantines, and these hand-painted treasures (which are even signed by the artist) are available in cranberry, teal or mahogany for $18 each. To order call [phone].

Cost Plus has a collection of ornaments created in wood, tin, straw and glass from different cultures around the world. Many of the designs are different interpretations of old classics like Santa or Christmas trees. Some of the funkier designs even include the Old West with a desert cactus and cowboys at about $5 each.

Traditional or specialty

Serious ornament collectors, take note. The Polonaise Collection from internationally known glass house Kurt S. Adler Inc. is a must-see. The collection includes many limited editions, unique boxed sets and individual pieces that are handcrafted by master glass blowers in Poland. They have heirloom quality ornaments of all the movie greats - ``The Wizard of Oz,'' ``Gone With The Wind,'' and ``Alice in Wonderland.'' All are packaged in boxed sets for $85 and up. But you can find individual Polonaise ornaments at local stores, including Jacob Maarse Florist in Pasadena and Traditions in Woodland Hills, as well as Macy's at the Fashion Square in Sherman Oaks.

The Christmas Book from Neiman Marcus is another source for designer ornaments, and Waterford has some crystal beauties in its Millennium Angel Collection. The first angel begins this year with the 1997 Angel of Hope for $45. Can't wait four years to complete the collection? Try the 12 Days of Christmas collection, with a complete collection of hand-painted resin pieces featuring holiday themes for each day, at $100.

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3 Photos

Photo: (1) The Discovery Channel sells balalaika ornaments, hand-painted replicas of traditional Russian folk instruments.

(2) The lovable characters from ``The Wizard of Oz'' are available in a set of hand-blown glass ornaments from the Polonaise Collection.

(3) Lassie sits by the television waiting for Santa to arrive in this design by the Heirloom Collection.