Sorry, I just kept going until it worked. Have no idea if there is a set solution.
Here's what the walkthrough at gamezebo had to say about this puzzle:
Each of the combinations of 3 have either something in common, something different from each other, or both. There are three criteria: Color, Shape, and Lines. Study each combination to see what objects in the pile will work with those three criteria. Once you placed all the items in the puzzle, push the bluish-white button to see if you are correct. If you are wrong in one combination, the item will be sent back to the piles. If you are right with all of them, you win.
Edited on 09/17/2009 at 1:00:13 PM PST