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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 elaborate, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. Guests are looking for a big hug of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, just add a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, 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 holiday meats in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. You often have 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 mix with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish 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. Mix all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.