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

Party snacks doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's presents a perfect chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and caramelized onions, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or mushrooms for the filling. Blitz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, croissants make excellent 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 holiday meats in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. 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 hot oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some sourdough and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with lime juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of small rounds, then keep in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.