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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 doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown it with affordable roe. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.