It's time to say goodbye to that rickety basket full of holiday cards displayed oh-so-attractively on top of the TV. Instead, use the cards from your loved ones as part of your holiday décor. Check out these three easy ideas:

Branch out

Find a medium- to large-sized fallen tree branch or twig with 10 or more branches. Use spray paint to paint it a color that complements your holiday décor, or leave it natural. Allow to dry thoroughly if painted. Mix up a batch of play dough, adding sparkles and/or food coloring if you like. Put the play dough in a metal pail, favorite planter or sturdy vase. Stick the branch into the play dough–you can cover the play dough with moss, pebbles or crumpled tissue paper if you wish. When your cards arrive, use a hole punch to punch a small hole in the top left corner, then thread a piece of ribbon through, tie a loop and hang it on the card tree.

Do a window display

Cut pieces of thin ribbon the length of your window. Use small nails, pins or tacks to affix one end of each ribbon to the top edge of the window frame (hey, no one will notice pin holes up there!) Let the ribbon dangle down the length of the window. Use a hole punch to punch a small hole in the top left corner of the card. Thread the free end of the ribbon through the hole and slide the card up, then tie a knot. Repeat with other cards. Bonus: When the holidays are over, just snip the ribbon between each card, cut off the back of the card and you instantly have gift tags for next year.

Frame ‘em

Buy six or more inexpensive clip frames (5 x7 or 8 x10) at your local dollar store or discount department store. Choose the cards you want to display—perhaps you have cards from your kids or spouse that you've saved over the years, or you have some particularly pretty new ones from friends and family. Chose a background paper that complements the cards and/or your holiday décor (neutrals like a soft gray, matte metallic or dark green often work well). Disassemble the frames, cut the background paper to fit, then place a card on top, securing with a bit of tape on the back if necessary. Reassemble the frames and hang in a grouping, perhaps over a hall table with a basket for additional cards on it.

Find out more about card display, personalizing store-bought cards and creating one-of-a-kind photo cards.

Plus, don't miss our selection of handmade gift ideas in our Christmas activity guide and gift guide.

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Back to the Holiday Card Making Guide for more fun homemade card ideas.