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What types of bite-sized appetizers can I whip up for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still seem festive?

Finger food needn't be elaborate, 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 manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then coat in panko and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, croissants 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. Get some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, 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 bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store 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 word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.