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

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also just the ticket: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes and finish with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.