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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 chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. People are looking for a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, layer it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz stale bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop 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 honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and incorporate a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the freezer. Refresh 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: save a stash for brunch the next day.