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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 needn't be elaborate, so New Year's offers a great chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People are looking for a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with dill, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants make superb crumbs, too.

One favourite thing 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 freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Cut out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.