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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 elaborate, so New Year's presents a perfect chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. People just want a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine with fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants make superb coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then season and incorporate a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.