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Safety Tips For Using Christmas Foliage as Fireplace Mantel Décor

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The fireplace is often the focal point in a living room which makes it an ideal place to spruce up for the holidays. When using Christmas foliage as fireplace mantel décor, it’s important to make sure your setup isn’t a fire hazard. Christmas garlands for the fireplace, for example, may look lovely but have thin needles that can easily catch fire.

Safety Tips for Decorating the Fireplace

The holiday season is meant for enjoying the company of family and friends so an accident is the last thing we’d want during this time. Here are some safety measures to have worry-free and safe celebrations.

A closed firebox reduces fire risks when using Christmas foliage as fireplace mantel décor
A closed firebox reduces fire risks for mantel décor. Photo courtesy of Nest of Posies

Avoid Decorating the Firebox

The mantel above the fireplace is the ideal location for foliage. Place your fireplace Christmas décor on the mantelshelf, and fasten them to the surface using non-flammable materials. Make sure that your evergreen mantelpiece doesn’t dangle to avoid it catching fire. Other fireplace decorations such as Christmas balls, ribbons, or stockings should be kept away from the firebox. A closed hearth setup, pictured above, is one of the safest fireplace mantel ideas which allows you to safely drape décor.

Use Candles with Care

If you plan to add candles as decorations for the fireplace mantel, make sure to use wide candle holders that are stable and don’t topple easily. Make sure that foliage needles are not in direct contact with the candles to avoid catching fire. Be sure to keep an eye on the candles and put out the flames before leaving the room. You may also consider flameless, battery-operated candles as a safer alternative to traditional candlesticks.

Use Fire-retardant Garlands and Mantel Decorations

When choosing garlands and wreaths, go for those made with fire-retardant materials like Balsam Hill foliage. Our décor was awarded the 2009 Good Housekeeping seal after passing product quality tests which include a flammability check.

Check the Lightbulbs

Before using pre-lit wreaths and garlands around the fireplace, check that all the bulbs are screwed in properly. There should be no exposed wiring that may cause a short circuit. Be sure to keep wires and cords away from the firebox.

Have a Fire Extinguisher Nearby

If you use pre-lit foliage as fireplace décor, place a fire extinguisher at least two feet away from the furnace in case of an emergency. Make sure that everyone in the household knows how to operate the extinguisher properly. Keep track of its expiration date and replace it when necessary.

We hope this post gave you tips on how to safely bring your fireplace décor ideas to life. Want to make sure you have a merry and worry-free holiday celebration? Read this post on how to child- and pet-proof your Christmas tree and décor.

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