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

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents a great chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People just want a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, 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, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, 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 store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it 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 zingy salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. 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 freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.