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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 seem festive?

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents a great chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People are looking for a comforting taste of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown it with affordable roe. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll 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 filling. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll 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 citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and assemble sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces 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 full of flavour. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.