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What types of canapes can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still impress guests?

Party snacks needn't be elaborate, so New Year's offers a perfect chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants make superb crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and start building sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then add salt and pepper and add a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.