Need some ideas for a starter for PIL with allergies (christmas)

[saltire]

Got MIL and step PIL coming for Christmas. Would like some ideas for a starter, for Christmas dinner. two years ago i had lettuce soup (which is far nicer than it sounds), but PIL and MIL didn't like it.
Whatever it is cannot contain the following, due to PIL's allergies

Shellfish
Peas
Pulses of any description
Carrots
Oranges
Cranberries
or Nuts

All suggestions gratefully recieved.

PS - I am tempted to just go straight to main course

smoked salmon
pate with toast
(both of these are also very quick for you to prepare!)

might try smoked salmon. Have tried pate before and he had a reaction as it was made in a factory where nuts had been used!

on the smoked salmon line, you can make your own gravad lax really easily, and then you know it hasn't been in a factory near anything unsuitable. Ditto the sauce.

I found a recipe online, if not Hugh FW does a good one too.

smoked salmon pate. (made yourself) contains:

smoked salmon
cream cheese
lemon juice
chives
butter

don't have recipe to hand but will find it and post here later

One Christmas I made a fab cream of celeriac soup drizzled with white truffle oil just before serving, it is really easy and you can make it the day before.

or leak potato and bacon soup

or tomato soup

ditto salmon, either mousse or smoked with home-made blinis (yum) and a blob of soured cream. Or a homemade pate or terrine so you can guarantee no nuts (think Delia has a few nice recipes on line). Would be tempted to do a few canape style things and nibbles then go stright for main course. My kids always ask for prawn cocktail (so chav!) for Christmas starter but tbh, there is so much food, it seems a waste of time. This year, I am doing smoked salmon on soda bread squares, some cheesy twist things from an old good food recipe and another nibble, then straight into the main.

Pate mushrooms

Large flat mushrooms, stalks cut flat to mushroom
Top with some pate & a knob of garlic butter
Add a pinch of mixed herbs
Bake at 180 (gas 4) for about 10 mins

Sorry - missed the pate allergic reaction bit

Garlic mushrooms? Fry sliced mushrooms in garlic butter, drop of white wine & mixed herbs. Pop in a ramekin dish, top with mozzarella & grill till cheese is melted

OR

Bring their own

Could put out a selection of nibbles to graze on before sitting down to main course, then PIL & everyone else could choose their favourites.

I like Iklboos idea of them bringing theirown. TBH i would just have the main course, but MIL is a snob, and "expects" a three/four course meal.
In fact the mushrooms is a good idea as i know he likes mushrooms, as do my DSs

Or kebabs - chunks of chicken, peppers, mushrooms & onions on a skewer, serve with a sour cream dip or something

If its not a silly question, Saltire, what are you doing for main? The usual turkey or something more exotic . This year I am doing a M&S stuffed and boned turkey breast - very expensive but worth it. Am sick of left over turkey, even though the bones are good for stock.

We are doing turkey, i quite like it at Christmas. we are currently having a discussion about whether to invite my mum and step dad up, but she won't come unless i invite my brother. I started a thread about it somewhere. Haven't decided where to get turkey yet, your idea of an M&S one sounds good

ooh the more the merrier imo, as long as you have no raving psychos in the family.

The problem is oxo, that my brotehr is........, well he's an idiot,he winds everyone up, is bone idle, has my mum running around after him. I then get annoyed because my mum isn't having a relaxing time.