2. Reserve the ashes from the burnt incence for use on Samhain or Yuletide in ritual.

Other items:

Place the Book of Shadows to the left of the altar along with a broom for cleansing.

Place the athame to the right of the altar along with a staff or wand for ritual purposes.

Spell materials can be placed in front, behind or at other locations around the altar as befitting their relevance to the Goddess and the God. (Goddess to the left, God to the right)

As you go along,you will find other symbolic items you may use on the altar.
This is just a basic idea of how to begin setting up your personal altar.

Remember,as long as your comfortable with the arrangement,there is no right or wrong way to do it...
Blessed Be!