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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 needn't be fancy, so New Year's offers a perfect opportunity to clear the decks. The main guideline is to keep things to just one bite—guests don't want to handle a fork. People are looking for a comforting taste of hearty fare with a decadent twist.

If you have a bit of cured fish 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, combine with dill, citrus, and caramelized onions, then roll in Japanese breadcrumbs and fry until golden.

You could also have a ball with croquetas. Prepare the white sauce a few days ahead, then use leftover ham, chicken, or foraged fungi for the interior. Blitz stale bread into crumbs to coat them, then fry. Savoury pastry mixtures are another natural home for those breadcrumbs, or use them as a coating for chicken pieces. For flavour, all you need a bit of lemon zest and aromatic herbs, and they'll sing so much more. As an aside, croissants make superb crumbs, too.

One favourite thing at this time of year is a leftovers sandwich, and that can continue after Boxing Day. Get some ham and turkey in an sealed tub and store in the freezer. While you're at it, set aside some cranberry sauce and sweet glaze in the fridge. When needed, defrost the meat, then place it in a hot oven with the saved glaze for a short time. Let it cool and cut into thin pieces, then lay on top of some artisan bread and start building sandwiches with lots of cranberry 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 dark meat left over, and it's perfect for something full of flavour. Pull the meat, then fry it slowly in a pan, and mix with remaining sauce loosened with citrus juice, a spoonful of soy sauce and a little chilli oil. Garnish with chopped herbs and some green onions, and serve in little gem leaves.

Revamping Remaining Veg

Vegetables, meanwhile, can be scrubbed up and fit for a party with a big batch of fried potato cake. Combine all your remaining vegetables with fresh herbs, then add salt and pepper and incorporate flour. Cut out portions to roughly the size of small rounds, then store in the freezer. Refresh in a preheated oven for a short time and top with whatever you like—perhaps roast beef and grated horseradish. A word to the wise, though: save a stash for a late breakfast the next day.