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What kinds of canapes can I whip up for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still feel special?

Party snacks doesn't have to be fancy, 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 handle a fork. People just want a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop 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 sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have 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 leftover cranberry sauce loosened with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and add flour. Cut out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.