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What types of canapes can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still feel special?

Party snacks doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. Guests are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have 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 hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. Blitz old bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate a binding agent. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the icebox. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.