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

Finger food doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown 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 dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some sourdough and assemble sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, 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 full of flavour. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a hot oven for a few minutes and top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.