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What kinds 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 elaborate, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to use up what's left. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. People just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, 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, croissants make superb crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of dark meat 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 thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and add a binding agent. Cut out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.