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

Finger food doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz old bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon 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 post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have 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 mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.