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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 feel special?

Finger food doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's presents a perfect opportunity 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 smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and crown it with affordable roe. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz old bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants make superb crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Pull 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 chilli oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Revamping 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 fresh herbs, then season and add flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.