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

Party snacks needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents a perfect opportunity to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. People are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, 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 old bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make superb coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved 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 surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with lime juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then season and add flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.