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What kinds of canapes can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still impress guests?

Finger food needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with dill, citrus, and caramelized onions, 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 leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz old bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, just add a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into small squares for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve 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. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and incorporate a binding agent. Cut out portions to about the size of blinis, then keep in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.