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What types of bite-sized appetizers can I prepare 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 use up what's left. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a big hug of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make superb crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg 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 thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.