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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 doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

Should you possess 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 leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Blitz stale bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

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 citrus juice, a spoonful of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and incorporate a binding agent. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.