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What types of bite-sized appetizers can I whip up 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 key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown it with affordable roe. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make superb coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then season and add flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.