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

Party snacks doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People just want a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, just add a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, 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. Get some holiday meats in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. 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 sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then season and incorporate a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.