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What types of bite-sized appetizers can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still impress guests?

Finger food needn't be fancy, so New Year's offers a great chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, combine with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, 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, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then add salt and pepper and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.