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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 fancy, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to use up what's left. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. Guests are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, croissants make superb 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. Get some holiday meats in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, 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. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.