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

Finger food needn't be fancy, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests just want a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, croissants make superb crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy sauce 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 dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.