The festive season should be filled with warmth, celebration and the smell of something delicious in the oven. Sure, it’s always going to require extra effort and brain-ache, but thoughtful kitchen design really can make December feel calmer. Whether you’re hosting a crowd, feeding family for days on end or simply trying to keep on top of the extra dishes, with the right kitchen design, Christmas hosting needn’t crush the festive joy. At Roundhouse, we’ve spent decades crafting luxury kitchens that work beautifully during the busiest moments of the year. Here are the features our designers rate most highly for achieving a stress-free festive season for all, not just the children!

A pantry that actually works for you

A well-planned pantry is one of the secret weapons of the best kitchen design at Christmas. While the classic walk-in version, like this one in our latest Alden Project, is dreamy, you don’t need a huge footprint to reap the benefits. What matters is smart internal configuration. Deep shelves for small appliances, dedicated racks for spices and baking ingredients, and clearly defined zones for snacks, tins, cereals and festive staples.

Tall larder cupboards with integrated lighting make it easy to see exactly what you already have – crucial when avoiding last-minute supermarket scrambles. If you’re planning a new pantry, consider including deep counters for storing prepped dishes before guests arrive. In well-executed bespoke kitchen design, a pantry becomes the organisational anchor of the whole space, reducing clutter and freeing up your main kitchen for the more joyful rituals of cooking and gathering.

Prep space that supports the way you cook

For most households, December is the month when your kitchen works the hardest. Multi-meal days, batch cooking, baking marathons and party prep all demand more surface area. A generous bespoke island is the obvious hero, but even compact kitchens can be engineered to feel spacious.

Durable worktops that can handle hot pans straight from the oven are a big win – the latest porcelain surfaces or high-grade stainless steel are both great options if you want serious heat and stain resistance. A layout that allows more than one person to prep at the same time will literally take the pressure off, so do add an extra prep area with small sink if you can. If you can allocate space for a dedicated baking zone, away from the main cooking hub, with its own surface and storage, even better.

Appliances that work harder – and quieter

Christmas entertaining often means running multiple appliances at once, so choosing models that are efficient, discreet and easy to operate is key. Quiet dishwashers are a gift when you’re hosting (double up if possible), while an extra multi-function oven can help you juggle different dishes without compromising results. Warming drawers also come into their own at this time of year, for keeping plates hot, puddings warm and proving dough. Our designers can guide you towards appliances with low decibel ratings and share installation techniques – such as external extraction motors and clever sound-dampening – to ensure your kitchen stays conversation-friendly.

Storage that tames the Christmas chaos

Thoughtful storage is the foundation of a peaceful home during the holidays. Open shelves may look beautiful in summer, but winter often needs more closed cabinetry to hide the seasonal build-up of snacks, serving ware and other festive periphery.

Deep drawers for pans, trays, and small appliances will help streamline your cooking flow. Adding drawer organisers for cutlery, spices, festive baking tools and drinks accessories can also save precious minutes when you’re entertaining.

When planning what goes where, zoning according to where and how often you need items is helpful. Keep everyday items front and centre with occasional pieces – like the Christmas cake stand or giant stockpot – stashed in the harder-to-reach areas. Hang a small step stool inside a pantry door for quick access to tall storage. The beauty of bespoke kitchen design is that no centimetre is wasted; everything finds its place, and the whole room feels easier to navigate.

Ready to plan a kitchen that works beautifully all year?

If you’re dreaming of a calmer, more effortless festive season, Roundhouse designers can help you create a space that feels elegant, efficient and tailored to the way you truly live. Book a consultation at one of our showrooms to explore how thoughtful kitchen design can transform not just December – but every day that follows.

Frequently Asked Questions – Festive Kitchens

How can I design a kitchen layout that makes festive cooking easier?

Prioritise generous prep space and a layout that lets more than one person cook at once. A well-planned island, durable worktops and even a small extra prep sink can make December’s multi-meal days far smoother.

What storage strategies help reduce Christmas clutter?

Closed cabinetry, deep drawers and well-planned zones keep festive extras out of sight but easy to reach. Organisers for utensils, spices and baking tools save time, while storing occasional items higher up frees space for everyday essentials.

Do I need a walk-in pantry, or can a larder cupboard work just as well?

A walk-in pantry is wonderful, but smart internal design matters more than size. Tall larders with lighting, deep shelves and defined zones can be just as effective at reducing clutter and keeping ingredients easy to find.

Which appliances make the biggest difference during Christmas entertaining?

Quiet dishwashers, multi-function ovens and warming drawers all help when cooking for a crowd. Low-noise models and clever sound-dampening make the kitchen feel calmer and more conversation-friendly.

How do I future-proof my kitchen design so it works all year round?

Focus on flexible features that support both daily life and big gatherings: efficient storage, durable surfaces, hardworking appliances and a layout that adapts to different tasks. When everything has a place, the kitchen feels easier to use in every season.