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What types of canapes can I whip up for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still impress guests?

Party snacks doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and start building sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.

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 punchy. 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. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.