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What kinds of canapes can I prepare 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 chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay 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.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.