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What types 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 offers a perfect opportunity to use up what's left. 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 hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries 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, set aside some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building 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. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a few minutes and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.