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What types of bite-sized appetizers can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still impress guests?

Finger food doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on blinis and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make superb crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg 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. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.