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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 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 stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. Guests are looking for a comforting taste of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon 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 hot smoked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, combine with fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz stale bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Sausage roll mixtures are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make superb coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce thinned with citrus 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 Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the icebox. Refresh in a hot oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.