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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 feel special?

Finger food needn't be elaborate, so New Year's offers a great chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. People just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, 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, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz stale bread into crumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then arrange 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 transformed into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes and top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.