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What kinds of canapes can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still impress guests?

Party snacks needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then season and incorporate a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.