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What types of canapes can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still feel special?

Party snacks needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents 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. People just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in panko and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, croissants make excellent coatings, 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 sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and assemble sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed 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 crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then season and incorporate a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Refresh in a hot oven for a few minutes and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.