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What types 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 fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People are looking for a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish 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 mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then coat in panko and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make superb coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce 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 cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then keep 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 good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.