The idea that Santa Claus comes down the chimney to deliver gifts is a relatively recent tradition — its spread is mostly associated with Clement Clark Moore's 1823 poem, "A Visit From Saint Nicholas" ("'Twas the night before Christmas...") And, though fire has been the heart of the home for thousands of years, chimneys are only a few hundred years old, themselves. Let's look at the evolution of the chimney. More

Here on the East Coast, we had a beautiful and mild Thanksgiving. But now, the weather has begun to cool and Jack Frost is at least thinking about nipping at our noses. And for me, there's nothing like a chill in the air to put me in the holiday spirit... More

Even though the hearth had been filled in, an original marble mantel is what helped seal the deal for me when I was house-hunting this summer. Now that it's cool outside, I've imagined how nice it would be have a functional fireplace. More

The season is here for cozying up to crackling fires. For those of you who are burning wood, check out these useful tips on how to get a clean and efficient burn from your firewood. As a wise innkeeper in rural Pennsylvania once said to me, while stoking a fire like she was mad at it, "Romances should smolder - firewood should burn." Word. More

It's that time of year where one of the few everyday comforts is sitting by a warm, roaring fireplace. While fireplaces were originally incorporated into homes as a primary source of heat, in recent years they've gotten a bad reputation for being heat suckers and only good for decoration. There are actually a few great types of fireplaces that can be used, for anyone from apartment dwellers to home owners, that are sure to keep you cozy and warm, and maybe even reduce your heating bill. More

To my mind, fall is the perfect time of year to hang out in the garden. A few weekends ago I hosted a kids camping party in the backyard to celebrate a birthday. We pitched tents, strung lights, and rigged up a quick outdoor theater with a laptop, netflix, a digital projector, a sheet and a laundry line -- but the most important part, in the crisp cool air, was the fire pit. More

The rain has begun, the air smells like falling leaves, I'm craving cider (the grown-up variety), and I wish I could step into the quaint and cozy world of Toast UK... More

Whistler's "Peacock Room" with Thomas Jeckyll's sunflower andirons

Throughout history, functional objects have offered designers an opportunity for expression, invention, even fantasy. Andirons, for example, exist solely to hold logs inside a fireplace, so that oxygen can circulate beneath them and the wood can burn more efficiently. But for centuries, designers have turned andirons into an important decorative element in even the most simple interiors. Here is a quick peek at andirons from the medieval era until the 20th century. More

We've looked at putting to use the space inside the fireplace. But what about placing furniture right up against the fireplace? Whether yours is nonworking or just out of commission for the season, don't shy away from that valuable space. Use it! More

Fireplaces are wonderful for providing heat while also being a lovely focal point in your home. But what if they could do more? Design company Flying Cavalries has taken the fireplace to the next level with their three fireplaces designs that do more than just keep you warm — they provide a place to eat, rest your feet and store your things! More