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What types of bite-sized appetizers can I prepare 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 presents a perfect chance to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. People just want a big hug of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on blinis and crown it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or flaked salmon, mix it through creamy potatoes, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then roll in panko and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or mushrooms for the filling. Blitz old bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then cook until crisp. Sausage roll mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a jacket for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, all you need a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent coatings, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a post-holiday sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Place some holiday meats in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and honey ham 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 cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some sourdough and assemble mini sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Cut into small squares for a surefire hit.

Leftover turkey, meanwhile, could be transformed into a zingy salad. There’s always a bit of turkey leg left over, and it's perfect for something punchy. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce loosened with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Leftover Vegetables

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 fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add flour. Stamp out portions to roughly the size of blinis, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a hot oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and grated horseradish. A good tip, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.