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What types of bite-sized appetizers can I whip up 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 chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on blinis and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, croissants make excellent crumbs, too.

One beloved treat 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 airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some sourdough and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. There’s always 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 mix with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add a binding agent. Cut out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.