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What types of canapes can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still feel special?

Finger food needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents a perfect chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People just want a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants make superb 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. Get some holiday meats in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. There’s always 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 toss with remaining sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, 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 herbs, then add salt and pepper and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a hot oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.