What a wonderful time of year. It’s a time to sit back and enjoy time with your family and friends. A time for decorating, for baking, for exploring. Taking advantage of this time of year is important as it doesn’t last long. Before the fun starts be sure to take care of some of the maintenance of your chimney and fireplace. Now is the time to call Mercer County Chimney Services and book your chimney inspection and sweep. Start the holidays out with a clean and well-maintained chimney.
A fireplace is the focal point in any home. It is a big part of the holiday celebrations. A glowing fire with your Christmas tree close by. A cup of hot cocoa reading Christmas stories to your grandchildren. Traditions are carried out and new ones to be started.
Before you start decorating and you have had your chimney inspected and cleaned, think out your arrangements. Here are some safety tips before you get started.
Safety First
Before you start decorating and you have had your chimney inspected and cleaned, think out your arrangements. Here are some safety tips before you get started.
- Hanging your stockings. Your stockings look great on the mantel, but not when there is a fire in the fireplace. The heat of the fire may cause a fire. Take them down while burning.
- Decorations should be 3 feet from the fireplace including the tree. Anything close by may combust and start a fire.
- Fire-resistant decorations. Shop around for decorations that are marked fire resistant.
Inside
- Take a look at your mantel. Choose a color, a theme and go with it. Whether it is Gold or Silver, choose to create a masterpiece with these colors. Will it be reindeer this year? Do you prefer Santa’s or snowmen? Evergreens with splashes of red.
- Rustic Farm style. A popular look. Choose wood and colors of nature. Incorporate burlap and twine. Add a little sparkle with tiny lights.
- Country look. Plaids are popular in a country look. Mason jars with Christmas sprigs.
- Contemporary style. Choose sleek shiny items that will stand out. White Christmas trees clustered together. Lights with gold or silver accents.
Outside
- Lights, lights and more lights. It seems to be a competition in neighborhoods. Now is the time to sparkle. Many towns have contests for the best decorations.
- Don’t forget your front door. Add garland around the door. Anchor the door with two mini evergreens, real or fake. Light them up and add some red. The look will be stunning.

