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

Finger food doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's presents a great chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. Guests are looking for a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. 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, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, croissants make excellent coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut 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 perfect for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.