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What kinds of bite-sized appetizers can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas remaining food that will still seem festive?

Party snacks needn't be elaborate, so New Year's offers a perfect chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People just want a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, 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 leftover ham, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings 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 aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb 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 sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate a binding agent. Cut out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.