A FIRESIDE CHAT AT THE READY

Photo courtesy of Firmdale Hotels
After spending some time lounging by the fire at the Crosby Street Hotel, I was taken with the deep red walls, Vaughan fabric - covered wing chairs and amazing art collection. Creating a cozy environment around the fire is easy to do, and here are some ways to create a hearth haven at home.

Photo courtesy of Chesneys
Chesney's creates limestone and marble mantels, such as the Alahambra. This British company offers historic and contemporary designs, and have new collections from Jasper Conran and Jane Churchill.

Photo courtesy of Editions Design
Have a seat on a fire fender bench with a leather seat, like this one of brass and wood from Editions Design.

Photo courtesy of Restoration Hardware
Get a classic fire screen to save your rugs from flying embers that can create burns and dangerous situations. This 19th Century English design from Restoration Hardware with brass detailing looks like it has been around for ages.

Store logs in style with woven baskets from Williams Sonoma Home.
Photo courtesy of Jonathan Adler
Light a fire with Jonathan Adler Fireplace Matches, from Art Effect.

Yummy mohair blankets await you at Bergdorf Goodman.

Photo courtesy of Nantucket Looms
Hand- loomed Mohair Throws from the Nantucket Looms will be a part of your family forever.

Photo courtesy of Swans Island Blankets
Made by hand in Northport, Maine Swan's Island Blankets are woven from organic merino wool and hand finished with silk edges. The hand dyed fleece shows a subtle gradation of color.

Photo courtesy of D. Bryant Archie
A handwoven Peruvian baby alpaca throw from D. Bryant Archie is another way to stay warm.

Photo courtesy of Holland and Sherry
Sink back into down filled embroidery embellished custom pillows from Holland and Sherry.

Pierre Frey's Eidelweiss Pillow will remind you of the many piste trails you have conquered.

Photo courtesy of Restoration Hardware
Tools for the job will help keep the flames at bay. A classic choice from Restoration Hardware, these tools have round finials and a clean square design that is deco meets Victorian in brass and steel.

Photo courtesy of Lyle and Umbach
Lyle and Umbach has the most beautiful andirons, tools and screens. The items are handcrafted and forged in the US. The Katherine Fireplace tool set is available in a variety of bronze finishes.

Photo courtesy of Lyle and Umbach
Gates andirons from Lyle and Umbach add a classic design motif to the fireplace.

Photo courtesy of Plow and Hearth
Keep the flames going strong with bellows from Plow and Hearth.

Keep ash in its place with a broom that looks very old world. Williams Sonoma's Appalachian - made Fireplace Broom fits the bill nicely.

Photo courtesy of Frontgate
If matches are not your cup of tea, then check out the Fireplace Lighter from Frontgate. It lights in a snap.