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What types 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 needn't be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People are looking for a big hug of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants make excellent coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an airtight container 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 preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

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. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.