The Fourth of July is coming soon! I can't wait for all those awesome fireworks as we remember what it took to obtain our sacred freedom. If you want to display some patriotism indoors fireworks may be a little bit messy. How about a fireback instead? The American Flag Fireback from Adams Company is a perfect addition to your fireplace that will add a little patriotic flare. Order one today and proudly display it in your fireplace this July.

No more dusting after cleaning out your fireplace!

This ash vacuum is build to last with a dent and rust proof body and an internal system engineered to take constant daily abuse.
The August West TurboSweeper will save you the time it takes to clean out your fireplace with a traditional tool set, as well as the time it takes to dust your entire house afterward!

Coal buckets, ash containers, coal hods, call them what you will, but they are very useful fireplace tools. They can be used for many things other than their namesake, though. Here is a list of ten creative ideas about how to use your ash bucket.

1. Hot Ash Container – Here is the most obvious way to use your ash bucket. When you are cleaning out your fireplace and you still have some hot ash, you can place it in one of these containers to let it cool down before disposing of it into your garbage. Some designs have a double reinforced bottom so that you can leave the container on your hearth without worrying about heat damage. Others designs are not reinforced, so it is recommended that you place the ash container on a heat resistant surface or outside until the ashes are cool.

2. Pellet or Coal Container – This is another fairly common way to use your ash container. When used this way, it is easy to see why these buckets are sometimes called coal hods. Many are made with an extra handle on the side of the container in order to make pouring heavy coal or pellets easier. Coal hods are also commonly designed to be taller and narrower to ease in the pouring of coal into the hot fire.

3. Decorative Accent – While not in use, ash containers don't have to be hidden away into a closet. They are often given a special finish, like pebbled copper or antique bronze so that they can be proudly displayed on your hearth along with your other fireplace accessories.

4. Flower Pot – If you don't particularly like the look of an empty coal bucket sitting on your hearth, consider using either real flowers or silk flowers to create a nice bouquet. This is a simple and easy way to change the look of your fireplace throughout the seasons. In the fall you could use orange-colored flowers or fall leaves. In the winter, a small pine tree or some pine cones would be very festive sitting inside an ash container. A fresh bouquet of lilies or tulips would be perfect for spring. In summer, consider roses or daisies. Another great idea would be to decorate for the holidays. Try a bunch of Irish shamrocks for St. Patrick's Day; a few carefully chosen red, white and blue flowers and a flag for the Fourth of July; a dozen red roses for St. Valentine' Day. The possibilities are really endless and totally up to your imagination. This is an area where you can really let your creative juices flow!

5. Front or Back Porch Display – Using some of the decorative ideas above, in number four, you can take your ash container outside to add a little color to your porch. In fact, since it will be outdoors, you could even use real potted plants to accent the entrance to your home. The ash containers make great decorative pots for a country-style home.

6. Kindling Holder – Beyond using your ash container for holding coal or pellets, it can also be used to hold kindling. Gather all your small pieces of firewood and sticks and place them in your ash bucket so they will be in a handy spot whenever you want to quickly start a fire.

7. Newspaper Holder – Don't know what to do with all your used newspapers (other than recycle them, of course)? Roll them up and place them in your ash container so they are ready to use when you need to start a warm fire.

8. Fireplace Tool Holder – If you don't have the luxury of owning a full fireplace tool set, then consider using your ash bucket as a convenient place to store your fireplace tools. Stand them up inside the ash bucket and lean them against your fireplace as a nice decorative touch.

9. Decorative Wastebasket – Now we are really going to think outside the firebox! If you have a country-style home, a coal bucket would make a lovely decorative wastebasket in any room. Remember those nice handles on the side? They would make dumping garbage out easier, too!

10. Decorative Water Pail – Who says you have to hold dry items in your ash container? You could use it as a watering pail. Again, those lovely handles on the side would make pouring water on your precious indoor or outdoor plants a breeze.

Now that you have some ideas to go on, try thinking of some other ways to use your Fireplace Coal Buckets. Remember, you don't have to use them just for fireplace related tasks. Above all, have fun being creative while decorating your house into your home.