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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 perfect chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. People just want a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with affordable roe. 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 caramelized onions, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make superb crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get 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 fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

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 full of flavour. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with lime juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.