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What kinds of bite-sized appetizers can I prepare for New Year’s Eve using my Christmas leftovers that will still seem festive?

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's presents a perfect chance to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. People are looking for a big hug of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of cured fish left, place it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also an ideal choice: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with dill, lemon, and fried leeks, 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 remaining pork, chicken, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz old bread into crumbs to coat them, then cook until crisp. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. Seasoning-wise, just add a bit of citrus zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants make excellent crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some holiday meats in an sealed tub and freeze. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and honey ham glaze in the fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some sourdough and assemble sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a spicy, crisp salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's ideal for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and serve in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.