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What kinds of canapes can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still seem festive?

Party snacks doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People just want a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown it with affordable roe. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz stale bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect 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. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then season and add flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.