So you have chosen the perfect fireplace for your home.
You have researched the period and style and selected the material for the fire surround.
You have made the decision on which type of fuel would be best and have learnt how to build the perfect fire.
Now it is time to enjoy your fireplace! If you have chosen a wood burning fireplace, there are a wide variety of woods that can make your fire burn well and smell delightful.
The ultimate woods are oak, walnut and eucalyptus.
Oak is a hardwood that is excellent for heat and is slow burning, whilst walnut has a beautiful aroma.
Eucalyptus is fast burning, does not spit and has a fresh medicinal smell.
A fruit tree wood like apple, cherry or pear will also give off a lovely scent.
Fir is the perfect choice of wood at Christmas time and is great for kindling.
Larch is a softwood that has a pleasant scent and also gives off a wonderful crackly sound.
Good fireplace mantel design requires the basic rules of balance and proportion.
Play with placement before displaying your mantel-worthy items.
Decide whether to hang artwork or a mirror over the mantel.
A mirror will make a room appear larger and the ceiling higher.
A wooden frame on a picture will complement a wooden fireplace frame.
Use natural finds like pine cones, tree branches and acorns to adorn your fireplace.
Display your collection of china or your treasured family photos.
Christmas and birthday celebrations are a great opportunity to garland the mantelpiece, hang stockings and exhibit cards.
Scuttles, hods or log holders are essential for holding fuel.
They can also make a decorative statement alongside your fireplace.
The choice of brass, copper or wrought iron in a variety of designs will suit both traditional and contemporary decors.
Alternatively, an attractive weave log basket can be the perfect fireplace companion.
In Georgian times, a toasting fork was in daily use.
What better way to relax, than to cosy up beside your fireplace toasting crumpets and marshmallows, or roasting chestnuts.
There are numerous implements for this use.
Extending toasting forks, chestnut roasters, two pronged marshmallow forks and crumpet-shaped toasters will add to the enjoyment of afternoon tea around the fireplace with friends or family, or both.
Finally, to make your favourite spot beside your fireplace extra special, line a comfy armchair with plenty of plush cushions and a warm blanket or throw.
It will become the perfect spot for reading a good book or simply enjoying the wonderful warmth, aroma and ambience of your fireplace.