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

Finger food doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's presents 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 just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs 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 interior. Blitz stale bread into crumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll mixtures are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants 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 ham and turkey in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some sourdough and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. 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 small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.