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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 seem festive?

Party snacks doesn't have to 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—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a big hug of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, combine with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb coatings, 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 airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some sourdough and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and serve in little gem leaves.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.