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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 doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect opportunity to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, layer it on mini pancakes and crown it with affordable roe. Mini fishcakes are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, combine with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, reserve some berry relish and honey ham glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into small squares for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a hot oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.