Guest post by Lou Manfredini Ace’s “Helpful Hardware Man”.

Topic One: Artificial Trees
I’m Lou Manfredini, Ace’s “Helpful Hardware Man” and I know that the holidays  can sometimes be tough for those with allergies. A great solution is to invest in a high-quality artificial tree that will last for years. Today, there is a great selection of artificial trees that look like the real thing. They even are designed to replicate different tree varieties, so you are sure to find one that fits your needs. Some of my favorites include: Spruces, Pines, and Dunhil Firs – all of which you can get at www.acehardware.com.

Many of these trees come pre-lit, so all you need to do is bring it home and plug it in. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about the clean-up! Prices for these range from $129 for an Oregon Pine Tree up to $250 for a pre-lit Spruce Tree, well worth the investment if you consider the years of use you’ll get out of it!

Topic 2: Outdoor Lighting
Lou here, Ace’s “Helpful Hardware Man” and I love the holiday season. I wanted to share with you a simple trick to make your holiday lighting a lot easier this season: clips. Clips, like the ones featured below, attach easily to your interior and exterior walls. You can get the job done in much less time and they are easy to remove after the New Year!

Also, if you find yourself with lots of exposed wires, purchase an extension cord that has multiple outlets. This will help you hide those unsightly wires! And remember: never string more than 3 strands of lights together — it’s a fire hazard!

Topic 3: Decorating Techniques for Interior and Exterior of the House
If you are like me, then about this time of year you find yourself surrounded by strand after strand of glowing and twinkling Holiday lights. I’m Lou Manfredini, Ace’s “Helpful Hardware Man” and if you’ve ever wondered if there was a way that you could still have the lights you love, while cutting down on your energy consumption, then I’ve got an answer for you: LED holiday lights.

LED holiday lights have recently entered the market and they are fantastic! The bulbs emit a beautiful glow that is brighter and richer than other holiday lights, while much like other LED lights, they are more durable and can last for years. Plus LED lights are cool to the touch, which means that they are safer for use around children and live greenery. You can get all this, while helping to conserve energy. What’s not to like!