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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 seem festive?

Party snacks needn't be elaborate, so New Year's offers a great opportunity 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. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in panko and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz old bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb crumbs, too.

One favourite thing 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 freeze. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, 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. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then season and incorporate a binding agent. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.