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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 elaborate, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests just want a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, combine with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, 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. Place some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with lime juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and incorporate a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the icebox. Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.