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Make the most of a non-working fireplace

Working or not working, you're so lucky to have a fireplace and a mantle to dress up as the focal point of your room. You might not be able to roast chestnuts and marshmallows on an open fire, but if you love to accessorise like I do, this is the place! Get creative and change your fireplace with the seasons.

First things first, it's time to retire the electric fire log, and invest in a nice decorative fireplace screen. There are many different designs to choose from but a simple wrought iron screen with four removable glass vase holders or candleholders, which hang in the front creates a focal point, and looks beautiful.

Now that you have the perfect screen, you can also place a pile of beautiful birch logs inside. If you're looking for a little colour, I also like to gather a huge bunch of dried hydrangeas in a basket and place that inside the fireplace for the fall. I've also seen people cover extra large Styrofoam balls with moss and twigs, which you can pile up in a raw wooden crate for that 'I've just been to the woods' look.

I've also placed my collection of flea market 'mix and match' candlesticks, in various heights and sizes, inside a fireplace for a whimsical effect. If you're worried about it looking too messy, keep them all in one colour or material. A collection of mercury glass candlesticks would be divine! You can also place an ornate candelabra, one that you find at the flea market and don't know what to do with, inside for added drama. Light it all up with candles when guests come over. It will really set the mood.

If you want to keep things simple, you can buy a fireplace pillar holder. They're usually wrought iron with 6-8 connecting stakes that hold large pillar candles.

Now that your fireplace is all lit up, make sure to re-arrange your seating to take advantage of your room's new 'centrepiece.'

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