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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 doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's offers a perfect chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. People are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on mini pancakes and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then coat in panko and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz old bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home 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 superb coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.