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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 needn't be fancy, so New Year's offers a great chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, layer it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have 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 deep-fry.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then season and incorporate a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.