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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 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 handle a fork. Guests just want a big hug of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz old bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries 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 holiday meats in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present 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 fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time 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.