Compiled by Babs Rodriguez and Meda Kessler
We all know its lure. Sure, the warmth a fire provides draws us in. But something communal is inspired, too, by the crackling of wood, the flickering of flame. Conversations flow and guests linger. Here are two ideas to help kindle some fireside joy inside and out.
The right fire screen can warm up even a cold hearth. Dallas-based artist Claire Crowe offers both modern and timeless designs, built by local craftsmen who create sculptural works of heirloom quality. Her line of artisan fire screens is represented by interior designer Kim Milam at her Camp Bowie showroom, House Essential. Designs include butterflies and branches as well as more urban geometrics such as Tapestry, a screen inspired by antique quilts, and Fig Leaf, which has both an organic and graphic appeal.
Peruse options at clairecrowecollection.com, then visit with Milam to decide which design and finish is right for your decor — from bright and antiqued shades of gold to silver-rubbed black to urban steel and verdigris. Milam will place your order, which usually ships in six to eight weeks. Custom sizes are possible, too.
Nothing matches the aroma of burning pinon wood. When lit, it releases a scent that, to us, defines winter. It’s perfect for firepits, chimineas, and indoor and outdoor fireplaces. Combine it with hardwoods to make it last longer. Find bags of pinon at select grocery stores, Calloway’s Nursery, and at Archie’s Gardenland, where it comes in a large plastic bucket, $25.
Looking for a portable bonfire or a more modern looking firepit? Solo Stove’s line of stainless steel designs are transportable from poolside to patio, come in a variety of sizes, and burn wood with minimal smoke thanks to patent-pending technology. Designed to burn efficiently, the stove produces ultra-fine ash captured by a built-in, easy-to-dump pan. In answer to fans requesting a bigger show of flames, the 45-pound Yukon is the newest and largest in the line at 30 inches wide and 16 inches tall, $649. See other sizes and learn more at the Southlake company’s website, solostove.com. Find Solo Stove products at multiple locations of Home Depot and at REI.
Photos courtesy of Solo Stove
Don’t have a fireplace? You can add the aroma of wood or a burning fire through scented candles and diffusers. At Gifted in The Foundry District, you’ll find Herland Home candles in Bonfire, a smoky scent combo of amber, clove, patchouli and sandalwood. 8-ounce jar, $22. The Apothecary diffuser set by Paddywax comes with an attractive glass bottle, reeds and three 12-ounce bottles of Amber & Smoke fragrance, $62, Into the Garden. The Aluèur Sagebrush & Pinon candle, $20, is made in Fort Worth for Scentimentals Boutique.
Light a fire fast with these starter wax cubes from Weber. They come 24 to a box and are odorless and nontoxic. Prices start at $5 per box at Lowe’s and Home Depot; $8 at Calloway’s Nursery (in the checkout stand).
RESOURCES
Archie’s Gardenland 6700 Z Boaz Place, 817–737-6614, archiesgardenland.com
Calloway’s Nursery 2651 Hulen St., 817-923-9979, calloways.com
Gifted The Foundry District, 212 Carroll St., 682-250-5963, giftedftw.com
House Essential 4696 Camp Bowie Blvd., 817-737-2000, houseessential.com
Into the Garden 4600 Dexter Ave., 817-336-4686, intothegardenoutdoor.com
REI Waterside, 5924 Convair Drive, 817-732-9539, rei.com
Scentimentals Boutique 4001 Camp Bowie Blvd., 817-921-2303, scentimentalsllc.com