Put down the hammer and avoid getting a post-holiday headache. Homeowners don’t have to drill holes into their walls to deck the halls. One wrong move while hanging holiday lights can lead to thousands of dollars in damage to your home — not to mention the risk to your own safety! Do you want to end up like Clark Griswold?

You may not realize how easy it is to damage your home simply by hanging holiday decorations! Using nails or a staple gun on your roof or gutters can create small holes which lead to leaks. And new gutters can cost the average homeowner up to $2,400! Local experts with Window World, America’s largest replacement window and exterior remodeling company, are helping local families decorate in style with Window World’s Damage-Free Holiday Decorations Guide!

1. Don’t Gut Your Gutters –Ditch the drill and hang outdoor lights from adhesive clips, shingle tabs or gutter hooks. Adhesive clips work on smooth surfaces, like vinyl siding. Shingle tabs help position lights on top of your roof. Tip: You can get “S” – shaped gutter hooks at a home improvement store. Press the top half into the hooker and string lights around the bottom half.
2. Ornaments Are for Windows, Too!– Grab some colorful ornaments and ribbon. Tie one ribbon to one ornament and hang three or four of them in varying lengths from your curtain rods. Tip:  Use plastic ornaments to avoid scratching your windows.
3. Light Up Your Windows – Place battery-powered or LED candlesticks or menorahs on your windowsills. If you do want to use a real flame, make sure to keep them far away from drapes or curtains. Tip:Check for drafts that could fuel a flame by running your hand along the sides of your windows and feeling for air.
4. Don’t Wrestle with a Wreath –You don’t need a hammer to hang a wreath on your door. Simply place a strong adhesive hook on the inside and tie twine around it. Then hang the twine over the door, tie it around the wreath, and voila! A damage-free door! Tip: While you’re at it, check the weather-stripping around your door to make sure you don’t have any drafts that can suck the warm air out of your home
5. Bring the Stars Inside – Adhere festive star stickers to your windows to add some sparkle to your home. Versions of these can be found at many retailers and at various price points.Tip: Clean your windows before placing the adhesives on the glass. Use a coffee filter to ensure it is streak-free for your display.
6. Make It Green – Hanging a few pieces of greenery brings the scent and look of the outdoors into your home without the chill. Plants also help humidify a room during the dry, cool months. Tip:Many plants are sensitive to cold air, so you’ll want to make sure your windows are keeping them (and you) warm and toasty! Consider installing double- or triple-pane windows that have high-performance glass. The air, or in some cases gas, in between the windowpanes acts as extra insulation.