Making the most of the festive season calls for creativity, so you will be happy to know that there are many ideas you can use. Many of them border on the traditional, while others show the constantly evolving tastes of individuals. Here are just a few of the great ideas you have at your disposal to make your hearth a welcoming one for anyone who visits.

  • Pine cones. This is something of a mainstay for many people, but it comes with a number of advantages. You can find them lying around, and their natural look adds a touch of warmth and nature indoors. For an even more festive look you can paint them in different colors.
  • Candles. Brightly colored candles easily add that festive look for the holidays. Candles are cheap, and you can use as any as you like as long as there is enough space for them.
  • White Christmas. Go for a mostly white look with ornaments and stockings. Pine needles covered in white snow spray will help to complete the look.
  • Americana. The best thing about this type of decorating is that it is so easy to achieve. Old toy trains, wooden toys and lanterns are just a few of the items that can invoke this old world charm.
  • Red carnations. The bold red says Christmas more than any other color. With artificial carnations you can use them each year if buying fresh flowers becomes a problem. Carnations make attractive wreaths, and you can complement this bright red with other colors.
  • Old and new. Blending old and new items on your hearth can make quite the statement. Older ornaments can work very well with newer types without making too strong a contrast. Of course, you should still take the time to choose your ornaments carefully, and avoid overcrowding the hearth.
  • Be inspired by nature. You can take a variety of different items from the outdoors to beautify your hearth at Christmastime. Some of these are twigs and small branches, feathers, leaves, flowers, evergreen pine needles and large bits of tree ark. Add fabric like burlap for a rustic look.

The hearth will take central focus much of the time during the holidays, so you have to make sure you get the look right. For more fun, you can come with new ideas and change the look each year. Yearly fireplace and chimney maintenance are also very important to the placement and type of decorations you use. Never place flammable decorations near the hearth if you’ll be burning a fire, and always protect children and pets from harm around the fireplace.

Chimney Inspection

Give me a call at 610-626-2439 if you’re not sure whether you need to worry about chimney maintenance. One of the CSIA Certified Chimney Sweeps here at Lou Curley’s Chimney Service can inspect your chimney to make sure it’s properly serviced each year.