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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 doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with affordable roe. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with dill, citrus, 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 remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants make excellent crumbs, too.

One beloved treat 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 airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed 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 incorporate a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.