6 holiday decorating tips to keep your home damage-free all season

Decking the halls can put a lot of strain on our homes. To protect your home this holiday season, start by displaying and breaking down all of your decorations using safe, damage-free methods.

Protect floors from your Christmas tree

Without proper care, Christmas trees can seriously damage floors. Often made of hard plastic or metal, the tree stands that support these hefty evergreens can leave permanent indentations in carpet or scratch hardwood and other types of flooring. To redistribute the weight and protect your carpeting, place your tree inside a large, sturdy basket or use a piece of plywood as a base under the tree stand. Cover the plywood with a tree skirt or wrap it like a present for a festive disguise. Prevent scratches on other types of flooring by placing a non-skid mat under the tree. For real trees, choose a waterproof material that will protect floors from water and sap.

Hang decorations without nails

Avoid the hassle of nails or screws that leave behind unsightly holes. Instead, use removable, self-adhesive hooks or hanging strips that securely mount to the wall and remove easily. To ensure decorations don't come crashing down, use hangers that are rated for the weight of whatever you're displaying, and clean the wall or other surface thoroughly beforehand for good adhesion. Also, never use duct tape, double-sided tape, or other adhesive products that aren't designed for use on walls.

Safely secure garlands

Garlands can be heavy, especially if decked out with ornaments, pinecones, ribbon and other trimmings. When decorating a fireplace, consider snaking garland across the top of the mantel to forego the need for extra reinforcement. For garland draped across the front of the mantel, use clear fishing line and enough self-adhesive hangers to support the garland's weight. For added support, attach hangers to the top of the mantel's surface, not across the front, and loop the fishing line around the garland to hang. For staircase banisters, try zip ties to easily secure the garland without damaging the railing.

Stop glitter from going everywhere

Glitter adds a festive touch, but the effect is less charming when you're still finding sparkles months later. To avoid scattering glitter, seal sparkly baubles with a clear acrylic sealer before hanging them on the tree. In a pinch, a coat of hairspray can also work.

Decorate windows safely

To hang wreaths and other decorations safely, never use nails or screws directly around windows, as this can allow moisture or cold air to permeate through the frame. Also, avoid tape, stickers and anything else likely to leave behind a sticky residue. Try hooks that adhere to the glass via suction cups, or secure self-adhesive, removable hooks above the window frame, then hang your decoration by clear fishing line.

Avoid holiday fire hazards

To minimize the risk of a house fire this season, ensure all electrical wires are in good condition before plugging in your lights, and don't overload circuits. Never leave open flames unattended, and consider using flameless candles wherever possible. Keep your tree and any other flammable decorations away from fireplaces, heaters, and warm lights. A dried-out tree poses an even bigger fire hazard, so check the water level every day to ensure it has plenty to drink. Once the holiday season is over, dispose of your tree promptly.