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

Finger food doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's presents a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. Blitz stale bread into crumbs to coat 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 superb crumbs, too.

One beloved treat 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 freeze. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have 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 mix with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.