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

Finger food doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. Guests are looking for a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in panko and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz old bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, croissants make excellent 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 ham and turkey in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw 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 lay on top of some sourdough and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg 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 citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then keep in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.