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

Finger food needn't be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. People just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb crumbs, 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 holiday meats in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and assemble sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and add flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a few minutes and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.