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What kinds of canapes can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still seem festive?

Party snacks doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. Guests are looking for a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, just add a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.