Evergreen garlands and Christmas stockings belong over the fireplace, but arranging them on the mantel can damage the surface.

Instead, cut a piece of 3/4-inch plywood to the length and width of the mantel. Paint wood and two C-clamps to match the mantel. Place chair glides on the bottom of the wood at the four corners, then clamp to mantel. Tap in nails for stockings and decorative greenery. Store the pieces with your other holiday decorations until next year.