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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 impress guests?

Party snacks needn't be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect opportunity to use up what's left. The key rule is to keep things 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 mini pancakes and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Mini fishcakes are also just the ticket: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, fold it through creamy potatoes, blend with dill, lemon, and caramelized onions, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or mushrooms for the interior. Blitz stale bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for chicken pieces. For flavour, just add a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. Incidentally, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey 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 place it in a hot oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into small squares for a winner.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. You often have a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and toss with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy and a little spicy oil. Finish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in little gem leaves.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of bubble and squeak. Combine all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to about the size of blinis, then keep in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a few minutes and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.