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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 doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's presents a perfect chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. Guests just want a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, citrus, and caramelized onions, then coat in panko and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, croissants make superb crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers 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 honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

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 leftover veg with herbs, then season and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.