A cold starter for 15 that can be made on Christmas Eve. .

[onlysettleforbutterflies]

Any suggestions? Simpler and cheaper the better really.

I can only think of bruschetta which isn't very christmassy.

the traditional 1980s prawn cocktail. Everyone I know loves it and says "Oh I haven't had this for ages".

Or a selection of pates and melba toast.

Ooh great idea, as you say always goes down well.

My DMum always does prawn cocktail, with a slice of cucumber wedged on the bowl

Mackerel pAte, cider vinegar pickeled beetroot, salad, toast points. Divine!

Pear, bacon and Stilton salad, also delicious.

Tapas style meats, cheeses, olives etc?

Blinis with Smoked salmon, salmon roe, lumpfish roe chopped red onion, and sour cream. Not the cheapest option (although not too expensive if you make the blinis yourself) but no cooking at all.

Another one here for prawn cocktail - or, if feeling particularly flush, add some crab meat /salmon and call it 'seafood cocktail' - I don't know about your access to crab meat, I live in Guernsey and it's prevalent at all times of year here :)

If not, then perhaps a cold meat platter with some lovely fresh bread / pate/cheese?

Good luck!

If you have time on Christmas Eve then a terrine of some sort is a great idea - smoked salmon, vegetable...the list goes on...

But frankly I would be happy with any of the suggestions here...

A smoked salmon terrine?

We always have prawn cocktail (its tradition) but I think if I was feeding 10+ I would go for home made pate or a tureen as you can make it a day or 2 before and then just slice it up and serve with crusty bread or toast.

my dad makes a cashew nut pate with warm pitta for starters, a bit unusual but it is truly amazing. best part of christmas for me!

Thanks for all of your suggestions, a great help!

Love prawn cocktail. Alternatively, Galia melon and Parma ham is about the easiest cold starter in the world, but I think it's a lovely start to a heavy Christmas dinner.

Melon and ham, done properly, is lovely. The sweetness of the melon and the saltyness of the ham is gorgeous. Apologies to anyone who heaves at this combination of food.

Parma ham with melon is great you can offer a choice of two dressings, one blue cheese the other fruit berries.

Fish Selection platter - smoke mackeral, salmon and prawns plonk onf table looking lovely (all arranged nice) let them serve themselves family style -easier for you no plating up - look on M & S Christmas food for ideas then DIY it!

zombiebelle Recipe for cashew nut pate please- sounds interesting!

Mackrel pate with whole grain mustard yum yum

All sound fab, might have to take a family vote on it. Thanks.

Gazpacho

these done with smoked salmon and bagel chips instead of blinis,no cooking and WICKED good,cheap if you get the smoked salmon off cuts/funny shaped bits

Another thing I do for the vegetarians ( daughter and her mates ) is a sheet of store bought puff pastry,score a border round it about an inch in from the edge and spread chopped spinach thats been sautéed with lots of garlic,feta cheese and pine nuts ( stay inside the score lines) then bake. Its really good cold and sliced. Its also good with leeks and feta or sundried tomatoes and olives and goat cheese ( though I HATE goat cheese so always use feta)

Another one is sheet of puff pastry spread with cream cheese and sprinkled with chopped jalapenos and a little chedder,you can sprinkle with shredded chicken also if you want. Infact you can put anything you like on it. Roll it up and slice it into rounds then bake till all light flakey deliciousness :o

I will never know the recipe for cashew nut pate

Jamie Oliver's fig/mozzarella/Parma ham/basil salad is really really yummy, and so so easy to make. You can make it a bit in advance and cover it with cling film. Served with nice bread. (Not sure if fresh figs are still in season, they were when I made it a month ago)

Mozarella and tomato salad dressed with pesto just before serving

Melon balls

Florida cocktail

Pear, walnut and stilton

Pate and melba toast

Smoked salmon and cream cheese on mini bagels

Anti pasti misti (my fave)

dips and pittas