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What kinds of bite-sized appetizers can I whip up for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still seem festive?

Finger food doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's presents a perfect chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People are looking for a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz old bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, 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 freeze. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice 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 ideal for something punchy. Shred 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 chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and add flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.