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What kinds of canapes can I whip up for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still seem festive?

Party snacks doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's presents a great chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Blitz stale bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make superb coatings, too.

One favourite thing 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 airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then season and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.