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

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents a perfect chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, croissants make superb coatings, 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 airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. There’s always 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 mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. 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 whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.