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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 feel special?

Party snacks needn't be elaborate, so New Year's offers a great chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People are looking for a comforting taste of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in panko and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned 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 fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and add flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.