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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 impress guests?

Party snacks needn't be elaborate, so New Year's presents a great opportunity to use up what's left. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests just want a big hug of hearty fare with a luxurious touch.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, place it on mini pancakes and crown it with affordable roe. Small patties are also just the ticket: Whether you've got remaining fish or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, blend with fresh herbs, citrus, and caramelized onions, then coat in panko and fry until golden.

You could also get creative with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or mushrooms for the interior. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to cover them, then fry. Sausage roll fillings are another perfect use for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, just add a bit of citrus zest and thyme, and they'll taste so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make superb 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. 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 fridge. When needed, thaw the meat, then place it in a preheated oven with the reserved glaze for a brief period. Cool and slice thinly, then lay on top of some sourdough and assemble sandwiches with lots of cranberry sauce. Slice into small squares for a surefire hit.

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 mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with lime juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Leftover Vegetables

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be dressed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your leftover veg with fresh herbs, then season and incorporate a binding agent. Cut out portions to about the size of blinis, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and finish with whatever you like—perhaps sliced beef and sharp horseradish. A good tip, though: set some aside for brunch the next day.