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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 presents a perfect chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People 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 crown it with affordable roe. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then coat 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, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz old bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants make excellent coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an sealed tub 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 preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy sauce 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 fresh herbs, then season and incorporate a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Refresh 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.