YOUR PLACE ORNAMENT EXPRESS CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS OFFERING OPTIONS APLENTY.

As you're decorating your Christmas tree this year, consider some of the newest ornaments of the season that are more than merely ornamental.

Many items recall our heritage and history - such as Bronner's Irish collection, the Discovery Channel's American Eagle and Pearl Harbor ornaments that include a fighting tiger airplane and tiny bomber jacket - while others raise not only our spirits but funds for worthy causes.

Christopher Radko's ornaments have benefited AIDS, children's cancer and animal rights, and this year his red-white-and-blue Brave Heart design is intended to assist the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. The handblown glass design is $34 at Macy's and Bloomingdale's stores.

The Polonaise Collection from Poland also has designed a flag-inspired ornament to benefit American relief organizations and you can have it signed by the artist Iwona on Dec. 6 at Traditions at 4920 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills. Other new Polonaise designs include an old-fashioned Santa and snowmen, priced at $18 to $50 each.

Also donating proceeds to the victims and families of the Sept. 11 tragedies is the Baldwin company. Its gold-finished brass ornaments with a commemorative date engraved on the back include a soaring eagle for $25 and the twin towers for $28, available at decorating and department stores.

The White House Historical Association also is trying to raise money with its gold-toned, enameled ornament of Andrew Johnson, our little-known 17th president. It features Johnson riding in a carriage, which he was said to have done often after a stressful day of politics at the White House. (Makes sense - Johnson succeeded Lincoln and ultimately was impeached.) The collectible is $15 plus shipping fees and can be ordered from the White House Historical Association, PO Box 96586, Washington, DC 20090-6586 or by calling [phone]. For more details, check www.whitehousehistory.org.

Other collectibles this year include all the characters from the Harry Potter books and movie, which were spotted at Sears, while colorful peacocks, frogs, and snow leopard ornaments can be found at Discovery Channel stores.

For an international or cowboy theme, check out the assortment at Cost Plus stores, and for something witty and fashionable, take a gander at Michael Simon's glittery wardrobe for the holiday tree that includes beaded shoes, purses and embroidered sweaters that come tucked in a tiny armoire box for $65 at Saks Fifth Avenue/saks.com.

- Barbara De Witt

AT HOME

TODAY'S TOPIC: Wondering what's in and out in home decor? Design experts will be giving free advice today at the Westfield Shoppingtown Promenade mall in Woodland Hills. Linda Gould will conduct a special workshop called ``Mermaid Dreams'' at 11 a.m. and interior designer Thea Myerly will give a seminar at 3 p.m. on ``East Meets West'' decorating, on the upper level near Williams-Sonoma. At 2 p.m. at Barnes & Noble, author Bibi Jordan will show you how to create a ``Safari Chic'' look on the cheap.

- B.D.

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