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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 impress guests?

Finger food needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents a perfect opportunity to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, layer it on blinis and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, croissants make excellent crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed 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 leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes and finish with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.