PLATES

Circles love to play with lines.

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Balance the varying weights of large and small plates by placing larger platters at the center and bottom.

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A trio of mismatched plates is the perfect size and shape for this corner by the stairs.

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A carefree, asymmetrical arrangement animates this colorful collection.

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A large platter anchors a collection of cream and ivory pieces.

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One more tip from Mandi: "I didn't know about this product when I hung my plates, but discovered it later and have used it for many projects since. I love that it allows the plate to sit closer to the wall for a cleaner look." See her original tutorial here.

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3. Once you are completely satisfied with the placement on the wall, you can begin hanging the plates. "I use this tool to get the exact placement of the nail," Mandi says. "I got it for Christmas one year, and now I simply cannot live without it!" The product is called Hang and Level. "You simply hang your plate (or other artwork) on the hook at the bottom of the tool and hold it up to the wall on top of your paper cutout." 4. "When it is completely lined up with the cutout, gently push on the picture/plate and the tool makes a small impression on the wall indicating where to place the nail. It truly is a snap!"

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2. Following the plan you worked out on the floor, gently tape the cutouts to the wall. Periodically step back to make sure you are happy with the spacing and the height of the entire group.

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5-step solution

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Anyone who's hung a grouping on a wall has at least one tale of misaligned art work, bruised fingers and banged-up walls. It doesn't help, Mandi notes, that many groupings include artwork with different hanging mechanisms on the back, different wire lengths, or side latches and no wire — all of which can effect the height of a piece, making it a chore to get the placement right.

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