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

Finger food doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's presents a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer 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, fold it through creamy potatoes, combine with dill, citrus, 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 remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little chilli oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and incorporate a binding agent. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then keep in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.