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What kinds of bite-sized appetizers can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still feel special?

Finger food needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents a great opportunity to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. People just want a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry 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 citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb coatings, 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 ham and turkey in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and assemble sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.