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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 presents a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People are looking for a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, croissants make superb crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut 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. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and add flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.