ROMANCE: Entertaining

Intimacy Categories: Recreational Intimacy, Emotional Intimacy, Sexual Intimacy

CREATING A FIREPLACE

WHERE NONE EXISTS

Let's say you have a romantic evening planned and really want a fireplace but your building doesn't have one. You could go out and get an electric fireplace which will set you back anywhere from $100-$2500 dollars. You could insert a yule log DVD into your DVD player and monopolize your television set. Or you could run down to your local home improvement store and build your own fireplace in a matter of minutes.

Build your own? I'm kidding right? After all, you don't have a chimney and you're certainly not a stone mason. Actually, I'm not kidding. You can build your own fireplace and be enjoying a wonderful fire this evening in your own home and it's easier than you might think.

The key to creating a fireplace in a room that doesn't have one is the use of gel fuel. Because fuel gel doesn't give off fumes, it can be burned inside or on patios and balconies where charcoal grills may be prohibited. Note that fuel gel is not intended for cooking. It doesn't get hot enough for bar-b-que.

To create a fireplace where none exists you need:

A base (non-flammable like terracotta tiles, marble, slate or stone tiles)
A fireplace log grill
Ceramic logs or river stones
Three cans of gel fuel. (how to make)
Common Sense

To prepare the base, I like to use non-flammable materials like 6 1-foot tiles you can pick up at any home improvement store. These form the base. Six will create an area that is 3ft X 2ft.

Set these on the ground or tabletop you wish to create your fireplace on.

Position your three cans of fuel gel at the center of your base. I like to use tuna or cat food cans for these since they are low to the ground and wide. The wider the opening, the faster the fuel gel will burn. The containers need to be metal, not glass. Glass can burst. If this happens, you could have a serious fire on your hands. Don't use glass.

Light your fuel gel cans. Place the fireplace grate on top of them and your ceramic longs on top of the grill and voila!

You have a fireplace.

Make sure to keep all flammable materials at least three feet away from your center and never leave your fire unattended or in an area accessible to children and pets. When you are ready to put it out, use a flat piece of metal that covers the opening of the can and smother the fire. I like to use a can top glued to a paint stick for this. If you have a fireplace shovel, that works as well. Just make sure to hold it over the can at least 30 seconds to assure the flame has burnt out.

Fire and fireplaces are wonderful for creating a romantic feel to any surrounding. Just make sure that your primary ingredient is common sense. Though beautiful and life-giving, fire can quickly turn into a nightmare and deadly if not treated with the respect it deserves. Therefore if you choose to create your own instant fireplace, make sure that the first tool brought to bear is a healthy helping of common sense. Happy romancing!