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What types of canapes can I whip up for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still feel special?

Finger food doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's offers a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. Guests are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, croissants make superb 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 airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce 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 sourdough and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then season and incorporate a binding agent. Cut out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the icebox. Refresh in a hot oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.