HOW TO :: Cut the Christmas card clutter

Last month on Facebook I shared a guest post that I wrote for Mamas Group on rethinking our approach to Christmas - rethinking gift-giving, rethinking gift-wrapping, and rethinking preparations (read it here). There is one more thing we can rethink - a big contributor to general Christmas clutter - the ubiquitous Christmas card!

Now that my little man has started school, we have received waaaay more cards this year than previous years, and like most people I know, we do not have infinite surface area to display them all. So using one of my top 5 tips which I shared last week - namely using your vertical surfaces to free up space on horizontal surfaces - today I am sharing a little trick to display all your cards without taking up any space.

Vertical display of Christmas cards

For my display I have used clear fishing line attached to a Christmas decoration, which I have attached to the wall with blu-tack (you can also use the 3M Command picture hanging strips which will be able to hold more weight), and pretty green paper clips to attach the cards. This means I can hang all my cards up without having to stick every one of them on to the wall directly (which helps prevent damage or dirty marks on the wall). We have high ceilings and so I currently just have one vertical line of hanging cards.

I love the 'invisible' effect of the fishing line, but you can do the same thing using twine or ribbon. If you have a lot of cards you can also get creative with the way you hang them, having one vertical line per family member, or zig-zagging the line into a Christmas tree shape.

I have also experimented with stringing the cards up horizontally as a sort of bunting which can look really lovely above a fireplace or next to the dining table. You can use paper clips or small fold-back clips in festive colours. Pop a little Christmas decoration over each end of the 'bunting' to add a bit of charm and hide the attachment to the wall.

I am sure there are many more clutter-free ways to display Christmas cards and I would love to hear about them. Please feel free to share your tips in the comments below! Thanks :)

101 Uses for Command Hooks

Being a renter, I have always relied on my trusty 3M hooks and picture mounting strips. But then through the wonders of Pinterest I discovered all sorts of creative ways to use them - from storing pot lids to hanging curtain rods, and everything in between, and subsequently I use them a lot with my clients. (Here is a little Professional Organiser's secret...Ssshhhh don't tell anyone I told you! If you are struggling to keep your horizontal surfaces organised - use your vertical surfaces! Hooks, hangers, wall-mounted hanging organisers, etc - piles can't form on vertical surfaces)

I have started my own Pinterest board to collate my findings, and would love you to contribute if you have any more clever ideas. I have no doubt we can find 101 uses! Please comment below telling me how you use Command Hooks and email me photos if you can - I'll pop them on my Pinterest board (crediting the source of course!!)

Visit my Pinterest board

How I use 3M Command Hooks 

Two of my biggest irritations at home... 1. rattling blind cords flapping about in the wind when we leave our doors or windows open, and 2. wet cloths hanging over the tap or left on the side of the sink.
Problem solved!!

Here are some other ways I have used them in my and my clients' homes:

The extra large hooks I used to store extension cords also work wonders for hanging large laundry baskets on the wall above the washing machine or laundry trough - great to get them out of the way and stop wasting valuable surface area in the laundry.

So please get commenting - I can't wait to see how you have put these fabulous little things to use!

* Please note this post is not sponsored by or in any way affiliated with 3M - this is purely my opinion and experience.