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

Party snacks needn't be elaborate, so New Year's offers a great chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. Guests just want a big hug of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

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 fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz stale bread into crumbs 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, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, croissants make superb coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.