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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 doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's offers a perfect chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests just want a big hug of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

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 stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll mixtures are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, croissants make superb crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats 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, thaw the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry 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 full of flavour. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, 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 incorporate a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then keep in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.