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

Finger food doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's offers a great chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. People are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants make superb crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated 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 mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.