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

Party snacks needn't be elaborate, so New Year's offers a great chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on mini pancakes and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz old bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, croissants make excellent coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg 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 and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to about the size of blinis, 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 good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.