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What types 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 needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. 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 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 punchy. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.