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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 needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents a perfect chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People just want a big hug of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and top it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, combine with dill, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz old bread into crumbs to coat 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. For flavour, just add a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, 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. Place some ham and turkey in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and assemble sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. There’s always 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 toss with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then season and incorporate a binding agent. Cut out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.