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What kinds 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 fancy, so New Year's presents a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

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: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always 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 leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.