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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 doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests are looking for a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz old bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb coatings, too.

One favourite thing 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, reserve some berry relish and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then add salt and pepper and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.