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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 feel special?

Party snacks doesn't have to be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The key rule is to keep things to just one bite—no one wants to handle a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on blinis and top it with lumpfish caviar. Small patties are also just the ticket: If you have leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with dill, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in panko and deep-fry.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Prepare the white sauce up to days ahead, then use leftover ham, poultry, or foraged fungi for the filling. Whizz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another natural home for those crumbs, or use them as a coating for bite-sized chicken. For flavour, just add a bit of lemon zest and thyme, and they'll sing so much more. Incidentally, 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. Place some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside 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 slice thinly, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building mini sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Slice 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 ideal for something full of flavour. Shred the meat, then crisp it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with lime juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Finish with fresh herbs and some green onions, and present in little gem leaves.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be dressed up and ready to party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with herbs, then season and add a binding agent. Stamp out portions to about the size of blinis, then keep in the icebox. Refresh in a hot oven for a few minutes and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for brunch the next day.