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

Finger food needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. Guests are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend 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 a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. 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 crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside 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 short time. Cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Pull 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 green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Cut out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time 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.