How to Display Travel Souvenirs

Souvenirs come in a wide variety of sizes and styles.

Flags, figurines and arts and crafts are just a few of the many souvenirs people collect. Generally, travel souvenirs are comprised of a hodgepodge of items of vastly different styles. Many souvenirs find their way into a storage box in the back of a closet. Fortunately, with a few organizational items and a little rearranging, you can incorporate all of your treasured souvenirs into your home decor for guests to cherish and enjoy.

Things You'll Need

• Small curio shelf or cabinet
• Large picture frame
• Matching piece of mat
• Glue stick or small pins

Instructions

1. Organize your souvenirs into groups with similar design or style elements. For example, if you collect woven baskets from different places, these items will compliment each other. Items focused on a specific city or natural element, such as the ocean, can be grouped together. Display these grouped items on an end table or mantlepiece. Rearrange all of the pieces a few times to find the right balance.

2. Frame ticket stubs, flags, pamphlets or programs. Create a collage with your favorite pieces of travel memorabilia. Arrange all of the travel souvenirs on top of a piece of framing mat in a neutral color. Start with the most colorful, representative piece as your center. Place a few of the items at an angle and allow other items to overlap. Make the collage unique. Glue or pin each item into place. Place the completed collage into a frame. Hang the frame on a wall where direct sunlight won't fade the papers.

3. Invest in a curio cabinet or a set of shelves specifically devoted to displaying souvenirs. Invest in a curio cabinet with niches if you collect small figurines, bells or ceramics. Purchase a large book shelf or set of shelves for larger items, such as vases, urns and large fans. Arrange the items by location, color, or style to give the display continuity and to keep the souvenirs organized.

4. Display functional items by incorporating these items into your home decor. For example, urns, side tables or coffee table books are all items guests will admire when they come into your home. Display kitchenware as a centerpiece on your dining room table or over a mantlepiece. Place a beautiful ceramic plate or a few collectible figurines in the guest room or the bathroom, where you can admire the items throughout the day.

Tips & Warnings

• Invest in a curio cabinet with sliding glass doors if you have valuable travel souvenirs.

References

• New York Times: Room to Improve; Tim McKeough
• Apartment Therapy: Displaying Travel Souvenirs and Photos
• Woman's Day: How to Display Souvenirs Collectibles