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

Party snacks doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's presents a perfect chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Cut out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.