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

Party snacks doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's offers a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay 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 turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Remaining Veg

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 herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.