When you say ‘fireplace’,do you mean on the hearth bit or the mantel?..if the former,then yes,it’s a great idea.it will make a fantastic focal point and you must put things in it too.
My nani used to say ‘you must use it’, and as pkgrl says you can put all sorts in it.When we have people round I keep it open and have some paans ready made with chaalya and elachis so guests can help themselves.And I never ever polish it.It is a bit dingey looking,but that’s how it looked when I got it.It still has a bit of katha stains from when my khala washed it.