Slicing, serving, shelf-styling – we think this modest piece is the most underrated kitchen essential. Here’s why…

How often do you reach for a chopping or serving board? When slicing that flour-dusted loaf for brunch, laying out an evening charcuterie, carving the pink beef on Sunday or prepping ingredients for a salad? Chances are, it’s one of your most-used pieces. Plus, as far as kitchen styling goes, wooden boards might be the easiest way to add character and texture to the most functional of spaces. Stacked on shelves, nestled between the cookbooks and salt and pepper shakers or propped up on countertops – it takes little effort to make them into a statement accessory. For something so particularly useful, it’s well worth investing in a couple of quality styles. Choose wisely and you may only need to buy once. We suggest having a range of sizes in your collection: something smaller and easily transportable for arranging a cheeseboard for two, or slicing limes for G&Ts, and a couple of larger boards for almost everything else. Trust us, they’ll earn their keep.