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What kinds 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 elaborate, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule 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 comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on blinis and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. Blitz stale 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 bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, croissants make excellent crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay 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 turned into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.