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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 doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's presents a perfect chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People are looking for a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also get creative 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 cover them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb crumbs, too.

One favourite thing 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, set aside some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and add flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.