I just purchased (3) sizes of the cardboard cupcake towers from save-on-crafts, can anyone help me with their own experiences on decorating.

My main concern is the cardboard will rip off when I remove the ribbon or paper I use to decorate with.

3M makes an awesome gluestick with removable adhesive. Once it dries it acts just like Post-It Note adhesive. For a better (but still removable bond) you apply the glue stick to both surfaces. It's more expensive than a regular glue stick, over $5 if I remember correctly.

There are also repostionable spray adhesives. They are sold in the stencil aisle of the craft store. They work well, but I find them messier to use, and sometimes the chemical odor doesn't dissipate.