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What types 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 fancy, so New Year's presents a great chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. Guests are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, layer it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants make superb coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a hot oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.