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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 elaborate, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. People just want a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, combine with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make superb crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building 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 dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.