What do you put in the fireplace over summer?

[ThinkAboutItTomorrow]

We have an open grate which I am about to do my final clean of. But what do I put in it, if anything. Are fake flowers too twee? Candles?

It looks ugly just left.

Any ideas or inspiration appreciated.

Pine cones. Pine trees near me are dropping them around now. Flowers will get dusty too quickly as the chimney will drop dust in my experience, pine cones are tougher. White-painted logs can look good too (saw in fancy hotel).

Fairy lights

Pine cones are good but MIL would kill me. I refused the offer of a whole box of pine cones at Christmas. Not because I have anything against pine cones but I was just sick of her trying to decorate my house with all her old stuff.

Candles sound like an option. Do you stand them on something and do they have to be huge? Thinking about covering the mucky bit of the grate.

You could box up the grate/fire basket for now and sit the candles directly on the bottom - no ironwork to deal with and easier to keep clean!

I have a fire screen, saves the bother.

I have s lovely white vase and lillies - get them in aldi or lidl so don't break the bank

Also have a white chunky church candle

No to artificial flowers - treat yourself

Yes to candles. I would have church candles - taller ones at the back. Maybe five at the back and three at the front (depending on size of hearth obviously). We have an open fire and still use it now and again in the summer, especially on a rainy day.

I lay a fire, ready to light.

Mine has UKIP fliers in it at the moment. They shall be used as kindling at some point

Doesn't everyone find that if you put other stuff in it gets filthy from the crud that comes down the chimney in wind and rain?

Candles here too! They give off a surprising warmth when lit.

I've got a lovely white orchid in a white pot on top of my woodburner. It's been flowering for ages and really brightens the whole space up.