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

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in panko and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. 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. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some sourdough and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little spicy 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 fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then keep in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.