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

Party snacks doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's offers a great chance 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 just want a big hug of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. 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 taste so much more. As an aside, croissants make superb crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed 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 blinis, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and finish 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.