I love receiving Christmas cards — it’s such a joy to see family photos and read little updates about everyone’s year. For a long time I searched for a way to display cards without taking up wall space we don’t have. The solution? Using the doorways and archways we already have and decorating them with garland. Clipping cards to a garland turns an entryway into a festive display that’s easy to change and won’t damage walls.
Below I’ll explain our damage-free method for hanging garland on arches and regular doorways, plus the best way to clip your cards so they stay secure and look pretty.
This approach keeps the garland removable and protects your paint while giving you a lovely, elevated way to show off holiday mail. Here’s what to gather before you start.
What You’ll Need
- Garland (faux or real, depending on preference)
- Command hooks & strips:
- Large hook(s) to anchor the top — one for an arch, two for a standard doorway
- Medium wire hooks (2–4 depending on doorway shape) to anchor vertical edges
- Light clips to secure garland along the curve or frame
- Zip ties (if you need to join multiple garlands)
- Lights (optional, add before hanging for ease)
- Small clips for attaching cards (gold bulldog clips, clothespins, or similar)
How To Hang Garland Around A Doorway
Step-by-step:
- Clean the areas where the hooks will go with rubbing alcohol and let them dry. Follow the adhesive instructions for best results — typically wait about an hour after applying the strips before loading them.
- Attach the large anchor hook(s) at the top of the doorway. For an arch, place the anchor at the peak; for a standard doorway, use one at each top corner.
- Place medium wire hooks along the vertical sides of the opening. On a regular doorframe set them about halfway down; on an arch position them where the curve levels into a straighter portion. Add additional anchors along the curve if needed for stability.
- Put the light clips in place where you want the garland secured. For arches I space clips frequently (roughly every 10 inches) to keep the shape neat. For straight doorways fewer clips are usually enough.
- As the adhesive cures, join multiple garlands with zip ties if you need more length. Trim excess zip-tie tails and shape the seams so they blend.
- If you plan to use lights, wrap them around the garland now — it’s easier before hanging.
- Hang the garland on the top anchor(s) first, then attach it to the medium wire hooks along the sides. Finally, secure the garland to the light clips down the length of the opening. Add extra clips after hanging if you see sagging.
- Fluff and shape the garland to hide hooks and clips and create a full, natural look.
- If any garland pools on the floor, add a low anchor near the bottom to hold the excess against the wall and prevent tripping.
My Favorite Faux Christmas Garland
A good faux pine garland looks realistic and is easy to shape and reuse. I used three six-foot garlands for each of our archways; you can also find ten-foot lengths if you prefer fewer seams. Faux garland stores well and lets you recreate the same look year after year.
Displaying Christmas Cards on Your Garland
To attach cards I use small gold bulldog clips, but clothespins or any decorative clip will work. Clip each card to a branch so it sits securely and looks intentional. Vary heights and angles for a layered, organic display.
If you have delicate or heirloom cards, place them where they won’t be bumped or bent — closer to the top of the garland or tucked slightly between branches.
Add Heirloom Christmas Cards
Incorporate vintage cards or family keepsakes alongside the newest arrivals. I like including a few older cards from my family’s collection each year — it adds a nostalgic touch and makes the display feel personal.
Removing The Garland (With No Damage!)
When the season ends, unclip the cards and store them. Keep the clips together in a bag so they’re ready next year. Remove the garland by detaching it from clips one at a time, working from bottom to top.
To remove the adhesive strips, press the hook base firmly and pull the clear tab straight down, following the manufacturer’s directions. Pulling straight down releases the strip without damaging paint. Do not pull the tab outward.
Discard the used adhesive strips and save hooks, clips, garland, and lights in a labeled storage tub. Remove batteries from any battery-operated lights before storing so everything is ready for next year.
This garland display not only shows off Christmas cards beautifully but also frames other holiday decor — like cabinet bows or wreaths — to make your home feel festive from room to room.