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What kinds of canapes can I whip up 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 great opportunity to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. People just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent 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 cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy 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 remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present 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. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the icebox. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.