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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 clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, croissants make superb coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and serve in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a hot oven for a few minutes and top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.