Shea McGee swears by this kitchen holiday essential

Kitting out the kitchen with items that make cooking enjoyable makes all the difference – particularly over the holiday season. Dream Home Makeover star Shea McGee has just shared one item that she wouldn't be without when cooking and entertaining this time of year.

Some kitchen ideas elevate the space, giving it a more luxury feel. Others make keeping on top of inevitable mess easy. 

So as well as aesthetically pleasing crocks, hand towels and Le Creuset Dutch ovens, the Texan interior designer always has a crumb runner to hand.

Writing on the Studio McGee blog, Shea says, 'we think every entertainer probably needs one of these crumb runners in their top drawer; it’s just a must!' 

For all A-types keen to get their hands on one, the specific model she is referring to is this Full Circle Crumb Runner, Counter Sweep and Squeegee, from Amazon.

It's ideal for sweeping up spilt coffee grounds, flour or crumbs left behind when slicing freshly baked sourdough. It's almost impossible to cook delicious, healthy meals in a messy and chaotic kitchen, and smart tools like Shea's crumb runner lend a helping hand. 

Keeping your kitchen countertops, wooden dining table and draining board free of any crumbs also prevents them from making their way to the floor.

Made of a slim wooden brush and tray with a rubber edge, the two components snap together for easy storage. The rubber strip works as a squeegee, handy for wiping up any liquid spills efficiently.

As well as stocking up on quality cleaning products like the crumb runner, ensure you have all the necessary cooking paraphernalia for trying out new recipes this holiday season. Stocking up on any missing pieces will mean more time can be spent celebrating with friends and family rather than standing over a hot stove.

If, however, with the addition of new gadgets, your kitchen is feeling cluttered, one or two smart new kitchen storage ideas might be all that's needed to restore the order.

Our holiday kitchen essentials would have to include some beautiful fluted glassware that's just that bit more special than those you use everyday, and a well-stocked pantry filled with festive treats.