DIY Life

DON'T toss holiday cards onto your desk or row them up on bookshelves.

DO create a pretty spot where they will become a focal point for everyone to enjoy.

Making a fun display from cards is easy to do. Not to mention incredibly affordable. You'll be amazed at how the cards pop when they are massed together. Added bonus: you won't have to deal with cards toppling onto the floor all the time. (Boy do I hate that!)

For the last few years I've been pinning my cards to long, wide ribbons that I've hung from either side of a doorway. This year, I need a new strategy because we now have a toddler who can reach and demolish such "pretties" in short order. I'm liking the idea of a Christmas card wreath. First spotted in a flyer from Web-based photo shop Shutterfly, I went looking and found these instructions for a Wire Card Wreath on Martha Stewart's website. The downside: these instructions don't come with photos, so you'll have to drink some coffee and make. brain. think. hard. Basically, it involved bending lengths of wire around a bare wreath so as to create clips, to which the cards may be attached.

One of the most festive displays at Christmas time is a personalized holiday wreath. For some decorations, like the Nativity scene, there is only one way to go (it's not like you can leave out the three wise men or place baby Jesus in a castle). However, a Christmas wreath has endless possibilities for personalization. Just think about all your options: masculine, feminine, vintage, modern, traditional, glitzy among many others.

To begin, purchase a plain faux wreath (any size) and look for items in your local craft store or florist supply store – or (like me) you may already have what you need packed away with your holiday supplies. Then, personalize your wreath and show it off on your front door or over the fireplace!

Note: Aside from purchasing the wreath, I found everything else in my decorations!

Gallery: Tanya's Family Christmas Wreath 2007