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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 feel special?

Finger food needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents a perfect opportunity to use up what's left. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People are looking for a comforting taste of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, croissants make superb coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building sandwiches with lots of cranberry 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 punchy. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.