DIY Display for Christmas Cards and Ornaments

Christmas cards still hold a special place in my heart. Even in this digital age, the few paper greetings we receive deserve a proper, eye-catching display. If you have a spare piece of wood and a few simple supplies, you can make a stylish, reusable card and ornament display in just a few easy steps.

Repurpose What You Already Have

I started with a wooden board I had previously used for Halloween. Instead of buying new materials, I like to reuse and repurpose items I already own. The board had been painted with chalkboard paint and distressed to fit a spooky theme, but with a little cleanup it became a perfect canvas for a Christmas display. Because the board is chalkboard, I can change the look again for future holidays by simply writing or drawing a new message.

Wrap with Twine or Jute

Inspired by a simple idea of wrapping jute or twine around a board, I wrapped twine across the board in a few horizontal lines. I tightened and secured the twine so it could hold cards and lightweight ornaments. You can wrap it as close together or as far apart as you like depending on the sizes of cards and ornaments you want to display.

Add Homemade Ornaments

Next, I attached a few homemade ornaments to the twine using short lengths of ribbon. These ornaments are simple to make from fabric scraps, felt, or small embellishments, and they add color and personality to the display. Use ribbon, thin twine, or ornament hooks—whatever fits your style.

Arrange the Cards

Once the twine and ornaments are in place, tuck your cards between the twine and the board or slide them behind a ribbon loop so they stay put. The arrangement is flexible: you can layer cards, stagger them, or keep everything aligned neatly. The twine holds both cards and ornaments securely while still keeping the display lightweight and portable.

Size, Color, and Finish Options

This board is about four feet tall, but you can adapt the concept to any size of wood you have on hand. Paint the wood any color, stain it, or leave it natural. I kept mine as a chalkboard so I can write seasonal messages, greetings, or illustrations directly on the surface and reuse it year after year. If you don’t have chalkboard paint, a coat of leftover paint or a natural wood finish will also look great.

Complement with a Chalkboard Wall

To tie the look together, consider pairing the board with a chalkboard wall or small framed chalkboard near your entryway. I dressed up a wall next to the front entrance with a simple chalk tree and seasonal doodles, which complements the board nicely and creates a cohesive holiday vignette.

Why This Project Works

This was one of the easiest projects I’ve done. It’s inexpensive, fast, and makes a bold decorative statement. The idea centers on reuse: a little creativity and a few craft supplies are all you need to create a display that’s useful throughout the holiday season and beyond. Swap out ornaments, change the chalkboard lettering, or repaint the board to match different celebrations.

Final Thoughts and Ideas

There are endless ways to personalize this display. Add fairy lights woven through the twine for a soft glow, swap ornaments seasonally, or use colorful ribbon to match your décor. If you make one, position it near your entryway, on a mantel, or in a hallway where friends and family can admire the cards and decorations. Reusing household items not only saves money but also creates pieces with personality and meaningful history.

I hope this inspires you to create your own Christmas card and ornament display. Do you have a favorite spot in your home for holiday cards? Share ideas, and enjoy crafting a display that reflects your style.

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