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

Party snacks doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's offers a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, citrus, and caramelized onions, then coat in panko and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz old bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants make excellent crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate a binding agent. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.