Now the evenings are drawing in and there’s more of a chill in the misty air, it definitely feels like it’s the season to get the open fire going indoors.

When starting the first fire of the Autumn, I always get the chimney swept and checked for safety to make sure no fire bricks are cracked. I’ve had my chimney catch fire before, so I’m talking from experience here!

Then I get stocked up with some ready-made firelighters to use through the winter, to store by the fireplace ready to help get the fire roaring.

I find dried citrus peel is particularly good - it’s full of oil so quickly bursts into flames and gets your kindle burning, plus gives off a nice scent too.

I save all the peel from oranges or lemons I’ve used when cooking, then let the peel dry out underneath the wood burner. Once dried, I keep a bucket of it by the fireplace ready to throw on the fire and get it going with a crackle.

Pine cones also make great firelighters and also look nice by the fire until ready to use. I found a great post about how to make some pinecone firelighters recently on Kate’s Creative Space - a blog with lots of useful articles (illustrated with lots of great looking pictures) on rustic living, craft and DIY.

Using a bag of gathered pine cones, some basic tea lights and cupcake cases and candle scent (optional), Kate’s post takes you through how to make a batch. Here’s the link if you want to try your hand at making them: Kate's article on homemade pinecone firelighters.