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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 feel special?

Party snacks needn't be elaborate, so New Year's offers a perfect opportunity to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. People are looking for a big hug of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry 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 thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, croissants make excellent crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and sweet 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 lay on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. You often have 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. Garnish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then keep in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.