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What kinds of canapes can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still seem festive?

Finger food needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents a great chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. Guests are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and top it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent 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 ham and turkey in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and assemble 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 punchy. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to about the size of blinis, then keep in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.