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What kinds 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 presents a perfect chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. People are looking for a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. Blitz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers 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, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and incorporate a binding agent. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.