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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 great chance to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—guests don't want to manoeuvre a fork. Guests are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

If you have a bit of cured fish left, layer it on blinis and crown 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, lemon, and caramelized onions, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, croissants make excellent coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some ham and turkey in an sealed tub 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 preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some sourdough and start building mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into bite-sized pieces for a winner.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned into a spicy, crisp salad. There’s always a bit of dark meat left over, and it's ideal for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then season and add a binding agent. Cut out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then keep in the icebox. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and finish with your choice of topping—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.