Card Party

Checking the mailbox is a whole lot more fun during the holidays. When cards from far-flung friends and family arrive—or if you have a stash of vintage ones—make sure they're seen. These display ideas are easy, instant cheer.

TALL ORDER. During the Christmas season, repurpose a metal store fixture stand into a display for a collection of Christmas cards. A stand designed for holding bags of chips and snacks is perfect. It adds height, and the clips are already attached.

MEASURING UP. With a few zigs and zags, vintage expandable rulers unfurl into tree-shape card holders. Unfold a ruler and bend its hinged sections into a triangular tree, starting with the trunk (double it up if needed). Use twine to connect the ruler ends at the trunk. Use clips to attach greeting cards and tree toppers, such as midcentury foil ornaments.

CIRCLE BACK. Bend a wire into a circle and cover with strips of vintage fabric. Embellish with a few sprigs of greenery, and clip on cards to fill out the wreath.

STRING ALONG. Vintage gold trim is an easy way to display cards using small clothespins and ornaments threaded with ribbon. Garlands don't get any easier than this!

HOW COOL. A vintage cake cooling rack has the perfect circular shape to serve as a wreath form. Slip Christmas cards and other ephemera along the outside edges.