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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 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 manoeuvre a fork. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis 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 mashed potato, blend with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, croissants make excellent coatings, 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 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 place it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, 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 crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.