Some one in my first learn to quilt class had a suggestion (I don't think it was the instructor) that I've used over the years. If you are trying a block for size or technique or anything but color, use colors you really like or CHRISTMAS colors - you can never have too many Christmas quilts! I've sashed for sizing and placement, done set in triangles etc. Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of Christmas quilts -- but I've got a couple of tops in red, green, white, gold etc.