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What types of canapes can I whip up 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 offers a great opportunity to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. People just want a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants make excellent 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. Place some ham and turkey in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then season and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.