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What types 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 opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. People just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. Blitz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, croissants make excellent crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Cut out portions to about the size of blinis, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.