Sounds like a pickle. It would be great to see a photo. I have a similar set up at home, but i have a cabinet next to the fireplace to hold a lot of the equipment. A couple of issues. You next the remote control to be able to "see" the dish box. Infrared is line of sight. This means you can't hide it behind the furniture. Next is a tv over a gas fire place. Lots of heat will come out, and ripple over the mantle and go through the tv. I have mine recessed to avoid this. Be careful because you could overheat the tv very easily. All that being said it sounds like either a corner table or cabinet might hold the equipment. They also make a signal repeater that might work with the remote. I had one for a while. Good luck.

Thanks, especially about the heat warning. I wonder if we build the mantle out further if that would help deflect the heat? I will be buying the smallest gas logs. I will be on a search for a corner cabinet, now.