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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 offers 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 comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll mixtures are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, croissants make superb coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats 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, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.