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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 elaborate, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. People just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants make excellent crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and honey ham 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 sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to 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 blinis, then keep in the icebox. Reheat in a hot oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.