Decorating the Fireplace: Tips for a Festive, Fire-Safe Christmas

As the crisp air settles over the Pittsburgh area and holiday shoppers gather at The Mall at Robinson, the cheerful scene glows with twinkling Christmas tree lights and the joyous melody of jingling bells—what a festive sight! The joy of creating a warm and inviting Christmas atmosphere in our homes is a cherished part of the festive holiday season. While decorating our homes and fireplaces, practicing fire safety is vital. Here are some fire-safe tips for decorating safely around the fireplace:

Fire-Safe Christmas Decorating Tips 

Holiday mantel decorations, like Christmas stockings, create a festive, yuletide ambiance but also pose a fire hazard. Hanging garlands, stockings, wreaths, and other flammable materials must be kept at least three feet from the fireplace opening. Otherwise, a stray ember could ignite nearby decorations, sparking a frightening blaze. 

Keep the following tips in mind for decorating safely around the fireplace:

1. Choose Non-Combustible Materials like metal or ceramic for ornaments and decorations near the fireplace.
2. Organize Decorations on the mantel to prevent overcrowding. Allowing ample air circulation reduces the chances of family heirlooms coming into contact with heat sources. 
3. Inspect Your Fireplace before lighting your first fire of the season. Ensure your fireplace is clean and in good working order. A professional chimney sweep like Advance Chimney Sweeps can inspect your chimney and fireplace to identify potential hazards.
4. Use a Fire Screen to help prevent sparks and embers from flying out of the fireplace and igniting nearby decorations.
5. Monitor the Flames and don’t leave a burning fire unattended. Keep a close eye on the fire and put it out completely before going to bed or leaving the house. If you must leave the room, have an adult watch the fire until you return.
6. Use LED Lights as they are energy-efficient and safer than traditional incandescent lights. They produce less heat, reducing the risk of fire.
7. Never Dispose of a Christmas Tree in the Fireplace: Burning a Christmas tree in a fireplace can cause a dangerous chimney fire. Instead, recycle your tree or contact your municipality for proper disposal.

Follow these safety tips and partner with a trusted chimney sweep to enjoy a safe and festive holiday season. 

Non-combustible Christmas Ornament Ideas

When decorating around the fireplace, consider using non-combustible ornaments to reduce fire risks further. Here are a few ideas:

Metal Ornaments

These feature various metals, including gold, silver, and copper. They are available in striking shapes and sizes, from classic ball ornaments to custom designs for a more personal Christmas experience.

Plastic Ornaments

Shatterproof plastic ornaments are excellent for families with young children or pets. They come in many festive colors, unique themes, and finishes.

Ceramic Ornaments

Ceramic ornaments are exquisite and unique. Often hand-painted or glazed, they add a touch of elegance to your Christmas tree.

Wooden Ornaments

Wooden ornaments are an excellent way to add a natural and realistic touch to your Christmas tree. Although wood is combustible, ornaments treated with fire-retardant chemicals can be a safe choice. These ornaments can be carved, painted, or au naturel and feature traditional Christmas themes such as the gingerbread man, Santa Claus, snowflakes, and more.

Affordable Fireplace Upgrades in Southwestern PA

Advance Chimney Sweeps is committed to ensuring your home’s fire safety. We provide a wide range of hearth services—from chimney inspection and cleaning to new installations, repairs, and more. For over three decades, we have served the 10-county Greater Pittsburgh area, including Canonsburg, PA, Mt. Lebanon, PA, Waynesburg, PA, and Morgantown, WV. Contact us online today to schedule an appointment.