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

Party snacks doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect opportunity to use up what's left. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then coat in panko and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll mixtures are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants make excellent coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, 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 fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then season and incorporate a binding agent. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a few minutes and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.