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What kinds of canapes can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still seem festive?

Party snacks doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's offers a great chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People just want a big hug of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on blinis and crown it with affordable roe. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Blitz old bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Cut out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.