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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 doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's offers a great chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. Guests just want a big hug of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, lemon, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also get creative with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz old bread into crumbs 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. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make superb 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. Get some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some berry relish and sweet glaze in the refrigerator. When needed, thaw the meat, then pop it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and slice thinly, then arrange on top of some artisan bread and assemble sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces for a surefire hit.

Remaining poultry, meanwhile, could be turned 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 dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then season and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to about the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Reheat in a preheated oven for a few minutes and top with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.