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

Party snacks doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, croissants 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, set aside some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

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

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.