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What kinds of bite-sized appetizers can I whip up 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 use up what's left. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests just want a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, layer it on blinis and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz old bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make superb coatings, too.

One favourite thing 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 freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and assemble sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, 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 sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and finish 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.