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

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's offers a great chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. People are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, croissants make superb crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then season and add flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.