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What types of canapes can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still feel special?

Party snacks doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: 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 panko and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday 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 berry relish and honey ham glaze in the fridge. 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 lay on top of some artisan bread and start building sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.