As we begin to prepare for winter, and cosy fires in the fireplace, I am reminded of something. Last year the dog knocked over the fireplace utensil holder and it broke. Ever since they have been laying over the wood basket looking very decorative with sprigs of lavender resting in a bunch across them.

But, this rest and relaxation pose is not meant to last, cold winds will blow on our house, and a fire I will be a fixing. This will be followed by scores of other fires, and the shovel, poker, brush and tongs will be used repeatedly. So, they must find a home that is efficient, but attractive too.

Here is what I have decided upon, I will not invest in a new formal holder, instead I am going to attach coat hooks to the wall next to the fireplace. They are screwed in sideways, and the implements are inserted into the space in between.

This means the dog will be unable to knock them over, and I will not feel compelled to curse under my breath. It also means I will not have to worry about the falling tools scratching the wood floors, or need to pick up any soot. I am quite pleased with this solution to say the least.