One of the best things about Christmas for chefs and home cooks alike is the excitement surrounding food, an expert has said.

Chef Stevie Parle indicated that people will be concerned with which recipes they are going to impress family and friends with when eating together over the festive period.

For some, it raises questions of whether to opt for goose or turkey, he told the Daily Telegraph, and also whose house the festivities will be held at in that particular year.

"I've tried to convince my family to have something other than the traditional Christmas lunch but it's almost impossible. Instead I concentrate on Christmas Eve," he told the paper.

He said that in many instances, this is a much more interesting occasion as home cooks are able to experiment with new recipes and create something much lighter ahead of the big day itself.

The Co-Operative recently released its Christmas app, which includes ideas of recipes to use when catering for friends and family.