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What types 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 needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents a great chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People are looking for a big hug of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine with dill, citrus, and caramelized onions, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, croissants make superb crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into small squares for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.