| Does your home have a fireplace that you are | | | | which they cook or hang decorator pots and |
| currently not using very often? Or are you | | | | kettles. Baskets hanging on the mantel and |
| thinking about adding a fireplace, faux or | | | | pewter urns across the top help to make that |
| real, to one of the levels in your house? If | | | | type of fireplace inviting and attractive. A |
| so, here are some ideas for decorating your | | | | cat, ceramic or otherwise, adds even more |
| fireplace to bring out its natural beauty and | | | | charm. |
| charm. | | | | |
| | | | During the holidays, a fireplace offers the |
| How you decorate your fireplace will depend | | | | perfect place to hang Christmas stockings or |
| in part on the room where it is located. A | | | | holiday greeting cards. Some families stack |
| bedroom fireplace may look quite different | | | | gifts on the hearth or arrange Christmas |
| from one in the family room or den. Part of | | | | decorations for a magical display area in |
| your decorating decision will be based on the | | | | keeping with the holiday spirit. Children |
| room and its tone. For example, your bedroom | | | | sometimes put out a plate of cookies and a |
| fireplace should have a cozy, intimate look | | | | cup of cocoa for Santa. A wreath above the |
| with a décor that is special for the | | | | mantel is a nice seasonal touch. |
| occupants of the room. If one or both spouses | | | | |
| like cats, use cat-decorated accent pillows | | | | When you arrange a fireplace in your den or |
| with a matching throw for a rocking chair on | | | | home office, it could look semi-formal, with |
| the hearth. Add a coordinating mantel runner, | | | | paperweights, books, and quill pens for |
| and you have a total look, especially with a | | | | effect. But it also may have accents like |
| nearby wall picture or two of a related | | | | your favorite coffee cup, a planner, and an |
| theme. | | | | afghan quilt draped over a nearby rack when |
| | | | you stretch out on the leather sofa for a |
| A living room fireplace can become the focal | | | | snooze or to catch up on your reading. Photos |
| point of the area. Accompanying floral | | | | or busts of famous people and admirable |
| arrangements sitting in an unused fireplace | | | | mentors can round out the various types of |
| center or on either side of the hearth add a | | | | décor you may want to include in your |
| warm touch. Fireplace tools, like tongs, a | | | | personal workspace area fireplace. |
| brush, and a poker for stirring the embers | | | | |
| come in many designs and styles to match the | | | | Your fireplace serves as the heart of any |
| room's decorating scheme. You can get a | | | | home, and particularly the room that it |
| Mediterranean, early American, or French | | | | occupies. Use your creative talents to devise |
| provincial style to suit the mood of your | | | | a decorating scheme to make your fireplace a |
| living room. Adorn the mantel with period | | | | showcase of the things that are special to |
| antiques or accents to add color and design. | | | | you, as well as those that make a visitor |
| | | | feel welcome. |
| Some people even have kitchen fireplaces on | | | | |