Can't think of a starter for a dinner party - ideas please??

[harrietlichman]

We have friends over on Saturday night - I am making beef cooked in beer with boulangere potatoes and green veg, followed by a chocolate tart.... but am stuck on the starter. One of the guests doesn't eat shellfish or cheese, last time they came I made soup so don't really want to do it again...any ideas please?? I am totally stuck!

Pate with brioche or garlic mushrooms on brioche - very easy and tastes really yummy!

Avocado and pink grapefruit salad.

nom nom

How about something like this?

I think as both your other courses are fairly rich and hefty, you need a light and delicious starter with no carbs.
I would do a fruit and herb salad with a few toasted nuts and seeds through it and a drizzle of nice garlic dressing.

thanks all! I knew MN would come through - now to decide which one....!

smoked salmon or smoked mackeral pate.

Pepper halves with cherry tons, olive oil, sliced garlic and anchovies. In oven for half an hour quite hot. Piedmont I think is what they are in delia. With crusty bread to mop up juices.

Melon and parma ham (your other courses are fairly time consuming - this is a throw it together one).

All sound fab - thanks for your suggestions, everyone!