The guest list is set, the menu is planned, and the decorations are coming out of storage. But if everyone tends to gather around the fireplace during the holidays, there’s one more thing worth adding to your list: make sure the fireplace is ready.

A little preparation before guests arrive can help you enjoy a warm, welcoming fireplace without any last-minute surprises.

Give Your Fireplace a Pre-Holiday Check

If your fireplace hasn’t been used much since last winter, don’t wait until guests are walking through the door to light the first fire.

Take a look for anything unusual, including excessive soot, strange odors, visible damage, or signs that something isn’t working the way you remember. Wood-burning fireplaces and chimneys should also be professionally inspected annually to help identify potential problems before regular use begins.

Think of it as part of getting the house ready for company, just with fewer throw pillows involved.

Make Sure Your Chimney Is Clean

For wood-burning fireplaces, creosote can accumulate inside the chimney as wood burns. Because creosote is combustible, too much buildup can increase the risk of a chimney fire.

A professional chimney sweep can remove creosote, soot, and debris while also giving the system a closer look. At The Fire Place, every chimney sweep includes a Level 1 Inspection to check accessible areas for blockages, combustible deposits, and other potential concerns.

Don’t Forget About Your Gas Fireplace

Gas fireplaces may skip the firewood and ash, but that doesn’t mean they should be forgotten.

Before the holidays, check that your gas fireplace or gas logs ignite and operate properly. If you’re experiencing ignition problems, unusual odors, or other issues, have the system professionally serviced rather than discovering the problem when you’re trying to impress the in-laws.

The Fire Place services all brands of gas fireplaces and gas log sets.

Give Decorations Some Breathing Room

Stockings and greenery look great around a fireplace, but they still need to stay a safe distance from flames and heat.

Keep flammable holiday decorations away from the fireplace, and pay particular attention to your Christmas tree placement. The U.S. Fire Administration recommends keeping Christmas trees at least three feet away from heat sources, including fireplaces.

You can still have the picture-perfect holiday setup. Just give the fire some space.

If You’re Burning Wood, Burn the Right Wood

A cozy holiday fire starts with the right fuel. Burn dry, seasoned firewood rather than wet or freshly cut wood.

Dry wood burns more efficiently and produces less smoke, while wet wood can contribute to additional smoke and creosote buildup. And as tempting as it may be during present-opening cleanup, wrapping paper, cardboard, plastics, and household trash don’t belong in your fireplace.

Get the Fireplace Ready Before the Guests Arrive

The holidays should be about good food, family, friends, and figuring out who gets the best seat by the fire, not wondering why the fireplace suddenly isn’t working.

If your fireplace needs an inspection, cleaning, repair, or gas log service, schedule with The Fire Place before the holiday rush and have one less thing on your hosting checklist.