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

Finger food doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's offers a great chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. People just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg 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 thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.