what to have as starter?

[FluffyPumpkins]

Christmas will be at mine this year.
I am cooking for 14 but what can i do for a starter? sugestions please i need help

We usually do prawn cocktail. Bit boring but delicious and easy.

I love prawn cocktail! and would be my first choice but 7 are kids and none like prawns.

I'm also cooking for 14 and have, controversially, decided to ditch the starter.

people eat enough.

No-on will go hungry.

But in the past (when my sister did it) we had canape things from M&S

How about a nice soup? Or something mushroomy - either garlic mushrooms or large ones cooked with cheese - have a Google for some recipes!

Don't. Just have nibbles and crudities for people to pick at with drinks before.

I've never understood how anyone can eat a starter before xmas dins and pud! Nor how the cook is meant to sort out gravy, veg etc as well (unless she forgoes her own starter).

We usually have our starter about an hour before dinner. Kids are offered melon instead but end up eating the prawns anyway.

How about some ciabatta bread and dips, quite fancy that myself this year.

If you are feedig 14 I would either go with a cold starter that you can prepare in advance as don't want to be faffing in kitchen with that as well!

What about a small salad with some smoked fish or duck?
Melon, parma ham and coulis?
Smoked Salmon and nice breads?
Cook a brie in its box and dip breads and chutney.

or ditto grimma,
Have a stash of canapes ( loads of offers on at the min in waitrose and sainsbos), on plates and people can help themselves. Minimun effort and max. time with guests

Either:

smoked fish with watercress & rocket and thinly sliced wholemeal bread with lemon & black pepper.

or

Bloody Mary Soup - which is delicious, can be made in advance and either frozen or sits happily in fridge for a day or so ahead.