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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 presents a great chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on mini pancakes and top it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with dill, citrus, and caramelized onions, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have 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 toss with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and add flour. Cut out portions to about the size of blinis, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a few minutes and finish 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.