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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 offers a perfect chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People are looking for a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. 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, croissants 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 sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated 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 mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.