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

Finger food needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents a perfect chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, fold 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 croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.