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What kinds of bite-sized appetizers can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still impress guests?

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's offers a great opportunity to use up what's left. The key rule 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 decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on blinis and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, croissants make excellent coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then keep in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a few minutes and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.