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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 feel special?

Party snacks doesn't have to be elaborate, so New Year's offers a perfect chance to clear the decks. The main guideline is to stick to items to just one bite—no one wants to manoeuvre a fork. Guests just want a comforting taste of comfort food with a decadent twist.

Should you possess a bit of smoked salmon left, layer it on mini pancakes and top it with affordable roe. Small patties are also an ideal choice: Whether you've got leftover smoked haddock or hot smoked salmon, mix it through mashed potato, combine with fresh herbs, citrus, and fried leeks, then coat in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with Spanish croquettes. Make the bechamel up to days ahead, then use remaining pork, poultry, or foraged fungi for the interior. Whizz old bread into breadcrumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry fillings are another perfect use 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 taste so much more. As an aside, buttery pastries make excellent crumbs, too.

One beloved treat at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that doesn't have to stop after Boxing Day. Get 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, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Cool and cut into thin pieces, then arrange on top of some sourdough and start building sandwiches with lots of tangy sauce. Cut into bite-sized pieces 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. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with leftover cranberry sauce thinned with citrus juice, a dash of soy sauce and a little spicy oil. Garnish with fresh herbs and some sliced spring onion, and present in small lettuce cups.

Transforming Remaining Veg

Veg, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Mix all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and add a binding agent. Cut out portions to about the size of blinis, then store in the icebox. Reheat in a hot oven for a short time and top with your choice of topping—perhaps roast beef and sharp horseradish. A word to the wise, though: set some aside for a late breakfast the next day.