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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 feel special?

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents a great opportunity to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on mini pancakes and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz old bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll mixtures are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants make excellent crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats 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, thaw the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and assemble sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to about the size of blinis, then keep in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.