Tying stuff to the top w/out x-bars

Since the consensus seems to be that the OEM xbars are pretty useless I decided to hold off and get aftermarket bars w/a cargo box someday. This won't help me when we go to IKEA tomorrow. Any suggestions regarding fastening items to the roof rails so that they neither fly off nor scratch the heck out of the paint?

The more prepared I am, the more likely it is that we will come home w/2 votive candles and a picture frame

Thanks.

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dMax
'02 GG EX-L w/fog lights