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What types of bite-sized appetizers can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still seem festive?

Finger food needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents a great chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. People are looking for a comforting taste of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with dill, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants make superb crumbs, too.

One favourite thing 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 cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped 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. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and add a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.