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

Finger food needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents a perfect chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

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. Blitz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, 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 ham and turkey in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into small squares for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping 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 add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to about the size of blinis, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.