Custom Invitations & Fine Stationery
One of the best parts of the holiday season is opening the mailbox to find cards from friends and family. Each one is a small reminder of the people who matter most. But once you have a growing stack of beautiful holiday cards, the question becomes: how do you display them?
Tossing them on the kitchen counter does not do them justice. Whether you receive a handful of cards or a hundred, here are our favorite creative ways to show them off and turn your holiday card collection into a festive decoration.
Hang several lengths of wide satin or grosgrain ribbon vertically on a wall, securing them at the top with thumbtacks or adhesive hooks. Attach cards to the ribbons using mini clothespins or paper clips. This creates a clean, elegant look that works beautifully in an entryway or dining room.
Difficulty: Easy · Time: 15 minutes · Cost: Under $10
String twine, jute, or metallic cord across a doorway or along a mantel. Use mini wooden clothespins to clip cards in a row. This is probably the most popular holiday card display method because it is dead simple and looks great. For extra charm, use clothespins painted in red, green, or gold.
Difficulty: Easy · Time: 10 minutes · Cost: Under $5
Start with a large wire wreath frame or a foam wreath base. Overlap cards around the wreath in a circular pattern, securing each one with straight pins or hot glue. Hang it on your front door or above the fireplace. The wreath fills out as more cards arrive throughout December, which makes it even more fun.
Difficulty: Medium · Time: 30 minutes · Cost: Under $15
Arrange cards on a wall in the shape of a Christmas tree. Start with one card at the top and widen each row as you go down. Use removable adhesive strips (like Command strips) to attach each card. Add a star-shaped card topper or a bow at the top. This is a fantastic option if you do not have room for a full-size tree in a particular space.
Difficulty: Easy · Time: 20 minutes · Cost: Under $10
For your very favorite cards, especially photo cards, slip them into matching frames and create a temporary gallery wall. After the holidays, you can swap the cards for family photos or art prints. This treatment makes the cards feel like they are truly valued.
Difficulty: Easy · Time: 20 minutes · Cost: Varies (frames needed)
Create a grid pattern on a wall using colorful or metallic washi tape. Tuck cards into the intersections or tape them directly to the wall within each grid square. The washi tape removes cleanly from most surfaces, making this a renter-friendly option.
Difficulty: Easy · Time: 25 minutes · Cost: Under $10
Lean a small vintage or decorative ladder against a wall and drape cards across each rung, either hanging freely or clipped with clothespins. This works especially well in farmhouse-style homes. You can also wrap string lights around the ladder for a warm glow behind the cards.
Difficulty: Easy · Time: 10 minutes · Cost: Varies (ladder needed)
Tape cards around the edges of a window frame using removable adhesive. The natural light behind the cards creates a stained-glass effect, especially with cards that have translucent elements or metallic foil. This works beautifully in a kitchen window or a large picture window visible from the street.
Difficulty: Easy · Time: 10 minutes · Cost: Free
Sometimes the simplest approach is the best. Place a decorative basket, wooden bowl, or tray on a coffee table or sideboard and fan the cards out inside it. Guests can easily pick them up and flip through them when visiting. Add some pinecones, ornaments, or greenery around the basket for a finished look.
Difficulty: Easy · Time: 2 minutes · Cost: Free
Build or buy a simple wooden frame and staple chicken wire across the back. Clip cards to the wire with mini clothespins. The rustic texture of the chicken wire adds farmhouse charm. Paint the frame to match your decor or leave it natural.
Difficulty: Medium · Time: 45 minutes · Cost: Under $20
Mount a magnetic board (or repurpose an old cookie sheet) on a wall and use festive magnets to hold cards in place. Spray-paint the board in a holiday color first for a polished look. This is reusable year after year with zero fuss.
Difficulty: Easy · Time: 15 minutes · Cost: Under $15
Once January arrives and the decorations come down, you do not have to throw your cards away. Here are a few ideas for giving them a second life:
Of course, the best part of receiving beautiful holiday cards is sending them too. If you are looking for holiday cards that your friends and family will want to display front and center, we would love to help. Browse our holiday card collection for designs that stand out in any mailbox.