Thank you, CB! I'm still sold on a floral arrangement next to the TV, and maybe a solid color table runner. Roobear, thanks for the help but with the tv above the big fireplace, it looks like two black holes! lol. Also, having such a high technological piece above an 18th century FP defeats the purpose. No offense to anyone, but I don't like TV's above the FP. IMO, a FP should stand alone, except for regular decorating on top of it. No large clocks. They're too trendy. I also have a nice grandmother clock on the mantel which has beautiful westminster chimes. Hockeymom, I agree. The good thing is the room is sooo big the tv isn't even a focal point. It comes across as one in pictures, but it's not IRL. Maybe in a few years when the newness wears off of the stand, I'll get a nice piece of furniture for the TV..which is what I wanted in the first place..but oh well, dh was so proud of his purchase, I didn't have the heart to tell him it wasn't my cup of tea, but I've learned to live with it so it doesn't bother me anymore. I also remember he drove all over the city in his suit on a very hot summer afternoon shopping for TV's and stands. Men and their toys. :) When we're finished using the FP, I'll piddle around with the bucket and wood stand. Now dh has his chess board sitting behind the bucket! It's nice, but I may move it some & see if he notices. ;)

So DH is up at house for the inspection. He measured the space between the window and french doors leading to porch. Space between trim is 47", it's 55" including trim. The tv we have is 48" wide. So while I don't love covering the trim, it will only be a half inch or so. The other options of leaving tv in the corner and covering 2 Windows or putting it above the fireplace are both less optimal so I think it will go there. We can also downsize to a slightly smaller tv, but I'd rather not buy another tv when there are so many other places that I need to apply the budget. The good thing is the tv can be hung lower making for a better viewing angle. Here is how it will look I think. for socializing, With chairs swiveled to watch tv, chairs also recline

Not a Pro. I agree with above about the tv. Above the fireplace I would put a painting over the top of that alcove. From the pictures it looks like there is a ledge, so the art can be place over the top and it will appear that it is on a wall. The other alcove I would add shelves, or a sculpture, lighted up as suggested above. Some inspiration:

DK- Last year one of our cats ate my entire ASPCA approved pet-friendly palm plant. He ate little bits at a time so as to not raise suspicion. When all was said and done, we had spent $5,000 in surgery & vet fees to have the contents of my plant removed from Hobbes’ lower intestines. I love love love the look of real plants in any interior space. If I could, I’d fill up my entire house. Unfortunately I can’t risk endangering my babies again. I don’t know what’s wrong with them lol. The other day my husband dragged a leaf in on the back of his work boots. It took less than 4 minutes for me to find Hobbes huddled in the corner having a little snack. Hold on I’ll take a photo of my living room for ya