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What types 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 presents a great chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, just add 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. Place some ham and turkey in an airtight container and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved 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. Cut into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce thinned with lime juice, a spoonful of soy and a little chilli oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and add a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.