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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 presents a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People are looking for a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

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 fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.