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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 needn't be elaborate, so New Year's offers a perfect 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. Guests are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on mini pancakes and top it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants make superb crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place 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 sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Veg, 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 season and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then keep in the icebox. Reheat in a hot oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.