Few of us want to be reminded of the cold, snowy, winter – at least not yet!  Help make your fireplace focal point remind you of summer, rather than those blustery winter evenings. 

• Replace wood with candles.  Romantic evenings are still a possibility, but without the heat of the fire.  Use a candle holder specially made for the fireplace, or simply add a variety of sizes of candles in a mixture of holders.

• A plant is always a nice touch.  Try something that spills out a bit from the firebox, such as a fern.  Even if you have a gas fireplace, you can place a plant just outside the firebox.

• Decorative screens, particularly those showing summer scenes (flowers, perhaps) can be a nice, colorful addition.

• Of course, flowers are always a welcome addition, particularly if they are fresh.  But even a beautiful silk arrangement adds an elegant, summery touch to the fireplace.

To further enhance the “look”, have the fireplace cleaned in the spring.  That will keep soot and ashes from falling onto or into your fireplace décor.  And don’t forget to open the flue when you light the candles – they may not feel like they are giving off much heat, but the amount of oxygen they consume can be surprising!

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Volume X

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Volume XIV
Volume XV
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Volume XVII
Volume XVIII
Volume XIX
Volume XX

Volume XXI
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Volume XXV
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Volume XXVIII
Volume XXIX
Volume XXX

Volume XXXI
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Volume XXXIV