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

Finger food needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People are looking for a comforting taste of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, blend with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants make excellent crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and add flour. Cut out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.