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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 doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests just want a big hug of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in panko and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz stale bread into crumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants make excellent crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.