Kitchen islands or prep tables are generally considered to be major workhorses in the kitchen and at Christmas time they certainly prove themselves to be so. Prior to the big day you can lay out all your festive foliage to create displays for the house, roll out the wrapping paper and pile up all the Christmas cards you need to send.

On Christmas Day itself they give vital extra worksurface for prepping your turkey and preparing your vegetables. Later on, they can house the canapes and champagne for when your guests arrive, as well as providing extra seating and social ‘leaning’ space.

Following your fantastic feast, your island / prep table can be laid out with coffees, chestnuts and chocolates and maybe a boardgame or two, and if you are a family that likes to party, it is worth considering having your piece made with lockable wheels so that you can push it to one side and create an impromptu dance floor for your Christmas kitchen disco!