How to Display Christmas Cards: 20+ Creative Ideas
Christmas cards are more than holiday greetings. They can also become a beautiful part of your Christmas decorations.
If you receive cards from family, friends, coworkers, and loved ones every December, you may eventually run out of places to put them. Instead of leaving them in a pile on the kitchen counter, you can create a Christmas card display that lets everyone see and enjoy them.
The good news is that you don't need expensive decorations or complicated DIY skills. A piece of ribbon, some string, a few clips, or even an empty picture frame can become a creative way to display Christmas cards.
Whether you live in a large house or a small apartment, there are plenty of options.
Here are some of the best Christmas card display ideas to try this holiday season.
1. Hang Christmas Cards From Ribbon
One of the easiest ways to display Christmas cards is with ribbon.
Choose a festive ribbon and attach it to a wall, door, cabinet, or other suitable surface. Then use small clothespins or decorative clips to attach your cards.
You can hang the ribbon vertically or horizontally.
Simple idea: Hang several vertical ribbons side by side and clip Christmas cards along each one.
This is particularly useful because you can keep adding cards as they arrive.
2. Make a Christmas Card Garland
A Christmas card garland is another simple option.
Stretch a piece of twine, string, or ribbon across a wall, mantel, staircase, or doorway. Attach your cards with clips.
For an extra festive look, add small decorations between the cards.
You could use:
Mini Christmas ornaments
Bows
Bells
Pinecones
Greenery
Fairy lights
A garland can be as simple or elaborate as you want.
3. Create a Christmas Card Tree
Turn your Christmas cards into a Christmas tree shape.
Arrange the cards in rows, starting with the widest row at the bottom and gradually making each row smaller.
For example:
5 cards on the bottom row
4 cards on the next row
3 cards above that
2 cards above that
1 card at the top
Add a star or bow above the top card to complete the design.
This is a particularly good option if you want to display your cards on a wall without using a traditional card holder.
4. Display Christmas Cards on the Mantel
If you have a fireplace mantel, it's a natural place for Christmas cards.
Lean the cards against the wall or arrange them between your other decorations.
You can combine them with:
Christmas stockings
Garlands
Candles
Greenery
Ornaments
Small Christmas figures
Overlap the cards slightly to create a fuller display.
5. Use a Christmas Card Holder
A Christmas card holder is an easy solution if you want something specifically designed for the job.
Christmas card holders are available in many different styles. You might choose a:
Wire Christmas tree
Wooden card holder
Standing rack
Hanging holder
Decorative board
Metal tree
The advantage is that you can bring it out every Christmas and reuse it year after year.
6. Hang Cards on Your Christmas Tree
Why not use your Christmas tree to display your Christmas cards?
Attach lightweight cards to the branches with ribbon, decorative clips, or small clothespins.
You can distribute them throughout the tree so they become part of the decorations.
Just avoid attaching too many heavy cards to individual branches.
7. Use a Decorative Ladder
A small wooden ladder can make an unusual but attractive Christmas card display.
Lean the ladder against a wall and attach cards to the rungs using ribbon or clips.
You can decorate the ladder with greenery, Christmas lights, bows, or ornaments.
This works especially well if your Christmas decorations have a rustic or farmhouse style.
8. Make a Christmas Card Clothesline
A miniature clothesline is a fun DIY Christmas card display.
All you need is:
Twine or string
Small clothespins
Christmas cards
Stretch the string between two points and clip the cards onto it.
You can make one long clothesline or several shorter rows.
The display can also be changed throughout December as new cards arrive.
9. Display Christmas Cards Along the Staircase
Your staircase can provide plenty of space for Christmas cards.
Attach ribbon or twine to the banister and use clips to hang the cards.
You can alternate the cards with greenery, bows, ornaments, or lights.
Make sure that the display doesn't interfere with safely using the staircase or handrail.
10. Turn an Empty Picture Frame Into a Card Display
An empty picture frame can easily become a Christmas card holder.
Remove the glass and backing, then stretch several ribbons or pieces of string across the frame.
Attach your cards using small clips.
DIY idea: Use a large decorative frame, add three or four horizontal ribbons, and clip your Christmas cards onto them.
The frame gives the display a defined shape and can make a collection of different cards look more organized.
11. Create a Christmas Card Wreath
Arrange your Christmas cards in the shape of a wreath.
You can attach the cards to a circular backing or arrange them in a circle on a wall.
Overlap the cards slightly and add a large bow at the top.
This can work particularly well when you have cards with different colors and designs.
12. Put Christmas Cards in a Decorative Basket
If you prefer a relaxed, no-fuss display, use a basket.
Place the cards inside and arrange them so that the fronts are visible.
A decorative basket can sit on:
A coffee table
An entryway table
A shelf
A sideboard
A console table
It's also easy to move if you need the space for something else.
13. Use a Decorative Tray
A tray can create a small but attractive Christmas card display.
Lean several cards against each other and place them in a festive tray.
Add small decorations around the cards, such as pinecones, ornaments, or greenery.
This is a good choice if you don't have much space.
14. Display Cards on a Shelf
Open shelves are another easy place to display Christmas cards.
Instead of creating a separate card display, incorporate the cards into your existing Christmas decorations.
Place cards between ornaments, candles, greenery, and other seasonal decorations.
For a layered look, put larger cards toward the back and smaller ones toward the front.
15. Hang Christmas Cards on a Door
An interior door can provide plenty of vertical space.
Attach a long ribbon to the door and use decorative clips to hang cards along it.
You could also attach several shorter ribbons to create multiple rows.
Just make sure the display doesn't interfere with the door handle, hinges, or normal use of the door.
16. Create a Christmas Card Wall
If you receive a large number of Christmas cards, dedicate an entire wall to them.
You can arrange the cards:
In straight rows
In a Christmas tree shape
In a wreath shape
In a star shape
As a casual collage
If you don't want to put holes in the wall, use suitable removable adhesive products.
A Christmas card wall can become a festive focal point during the holiday season.
17. Create a Photo Card Display
Many Christmas cards now feature family photographs.
Give those cards their own display by arranging them together.
You could create:
A photo-card collage
A grid
A family-photo wall
A seasonal photo board
This is a lovely way to showcase the people who are thinking of you during the holidays.
18. Use a Wire Grid or Memo Board
A wire grid or memo board can easily be transformed into a Christmas card display.
Simply attach cards with small clips.
One advantage of this approach is flexibility. You can rearrange the cards whenever you receive a new one.
After Christmas, the same board can be used for photographs, notes, reminders, or other decorations.
19. Hang Cards From a Curtain Rod
A curtain rod can provide an unexpected place to display Christmas cards.
Use ribbon, string, or decorative clips to hang cards beneath the rod.
This can work particularly well around a window where there is enough space for the cards without blocking the curtains.
20. Make a Christmas Card Tree From Branches
For a natural-looking display, create your own Christmas card tree.
Find a few sturdy decorative branches and place them in a vase.
Then attach your Christmas cards to the branches with small clips or ribbon.
DIY Christmas card tree: Place branches in a vase and hang Christmas cards from them like ornaments.
You can add fairy lights or small decorations to the branches for an even more festive look.
21. Create a Christmas Card Countdown
Turn your Christmas card display into a holiday tradition.
Create a display representing the days leading up to Christmas and add cards throughout December.
You can number clips, envelopes, or small sections of the display.
This can be a fun activity for children because they can help add new cards as they arrive.
22. Display Cards Around the Christmas Tree
You don't necessarily need to attach cards directly to your Christmas tree.
Instead, create a display around its base.
Arrange cards on a nearby table, shelf, or stand, or place them around the tree in a semicircle.
This keeps your cards close to the main Christmas decoration while avoiding additional weight on the branches.
23. Use a Noticeboard
A corkboard or fabric-covered noticeboard can make a simple Christmas card display.
Pin cards onto the board as you receive them.
Decorate the edges with ribbon, greenery, or small lights.
It's a particularly practical option for families because children can easily add cards to the display.
How to Display Lots of Christmas Cards
If you receive dozens of cards, the challenge is making sure your display doesn't become cluttered.
A few simple techniques can help.
Use vertical space
Walls, doors, staircases, and vertical card holders allow you to display more cards without taking up table space.
Overlap cards
You don't need to show every card completely. Slightly overlapping them allows you to display more cards in a smaller area.
Create sections
If you receive a large number of cards, group them into sections rather than spreading them around the house.
Rotate your cards
You don't have to display every card at once. Keep some nearby and rotate them into the display throughout the season.
Keep the background simple
If your cards are colorful, avoid surrounding them with too many competing decorations.
How to Display Christmas Cards Without Damaging Walls
If you don't want to put holes in your walls, there are plenty of alternatives.
Consider using:
Removable adhesive hooks
Removable adhesive strips
Freestanding card holders
Decorative ladders
Picture frames
Baskets
Trays
Shelves
Ribbon displays
Always check that the product you're using is suitable for your particular wall surface.
How to Display Christmas Cards in a Small Space
You don't need a large home to create a beautiful Christmas card display.
For smaller spaces, try:
A tabletop card holder
A small wire tree
A decorative basket
An empty picture frame
A vertical ribbon display
A small branch arrangement
A narrow card garland
Vertical displays are particularly useful because they make use of wall space without taking up valuable floor or table space.
How to Make a Christmas Card Display Look Beautiful
The cards themselves provide most of the decoration, so you don't need to make the display complicated.
Mix different card sizes
Place larger cards toward the back and smaller cards toward the front.
Add greenery
Pine branches and other greenery can frame the display and give it a natural Christmas feel.
Add lights
Small fairy lights can add warmth and make your cards stand out in the evening.
Use matching clips
If you're using ribbon or twine, choosing clips in a similar style can make the display look more cohesive.
Leave some space
Don't overcrowd the arrangement. A little empty space can make individual cards easier to appreciate.
How to Display Christmas Cards From Previous Years
If you have saved cards from previous Christmases, you can create a separate memory display.
For example, choose a few favorite cards from each year and arrange them together.
You could also create a Christmas card memory box and display only the cards you've received during the current year.
This lets you enjoy your collection without filling your home with cards from every holiday season.
What to Do With Christmas Cards After Christmas
Once the holidays are over, you have several options for your cards.
You can:
Save sentimental cards
Store photo cards
Recycle appropriate cards
Cut out designs to make gift tags
Use cards for craft projects
Create Christmas decorations
Keep them in a memory box
You don't have to keep every card. Choose the ones that have personal or sentimental value and recycle the rest where appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to display Christmas cards?
A ribbon or twine display with small clips is one of the easiest options. It's inexpensive, easy to set up, and can be expanded as you receive more cards.
Where should I display Christmas cards?
Popular locations include mantels, walls, shelves, staircases, doors, entryway tables, Christmas trees, and other areas where the cards can be easily seen.
How do you display Christmas cards without a fireplace?
Try a Christmas card garland, card tree, picture-frame display, decorative ladder, tabletop holder, basket, or wall collage.
How do you display Christmas cards on a wall?
You can arrange them in rows, a tree shape, wreath shape, or another pattern. Use suitable removable adhesive products if you want to avoid putting holes in the wall.
How do you display Christmas cards without damaging walls?
Freestanding card holders, baskets, trays, picture frames, shelves, and decorative ladders don't require you to attach anything directly to the wall. Removable adhesive products can also be an option when appropriate for the surface.
How many Christmas cards should you display?
There is no fixed number. Display as many as fit comfortably while keeping the cards easy to see. If you receive more than your display can accommodate, rotate them throughout the holiday season.
Can Christmas cards be used as Christmas decorations?
Yes. Christmas cards can become part of your holiday décor when displayed on trees, garlands, walls, mantels, shelves, doors, and other areas around your home.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to display Christmas cards gives you an easy way to turn holiday greetings from friends and family into part of your Christmas decorations.
Whether you choose a simple ribbon garland, a Christmas card tree, a mantel arrangement, a picture-frame display, or a creative DIY project, there is no need to make it complicated.
The most important thing is that the cards are visible and enjoyed.
After all, every card represents someone who took the time to think of you during the holiday season. Giving those cards a special place in your home is a simple way to celebrate those relationships while adding a personal touch to your Christmas décor.
Related Christmas Card Ideas
Looking for more Christmas card inspiration? You might also enjoy:
What to Write in a Christmas Card
How to Sign a Christmas Card
How to Send Christmas Cards
What to Write in Holiday Cards to Friends
How Many Stamps for a Greeting Card
What to Do With Old Greeting Cards
Are Greeting Cards Recyclable?
How to Make Greeting Cards