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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 elaborate, so New Year's presents a great chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People are looking for a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, croissants make superb coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop 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, thaw the meat, then pop 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 artisan bread and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate a binding agent. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.