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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 perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People are looking for a big hug of comfort food with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have remaining fish or flaked salmon, fold it through mashed potato, combine with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the filling. Blitz old bread into crumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another perfect use for those crumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an airtight container and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be turned into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Shred the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then season and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.