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

Finger food needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz old bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use 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 sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed 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 fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, 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 flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.