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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 great opportunity to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. People are looking for a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Blitz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home 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. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats 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 place it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Cut out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a short time and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.