Christmas Day starter for 18

[tinkywinkyshandbag]

Hi I have a large mixed group to cater for including one ceoliac, one seafood hater, one fussy eater, and several Americans. To add to the complication we need to transport it to the venue (which is a rented house) on the day, with minimal or no cooking when we get there. Other than smoked salmon blinis which is a bit boring and not everyone will like it, I am a bit stumped!

Soup could be transported hot.

What about bagged salad topped with nuts and 2 big tarts made with the gluten free pastry? One meat, one veggie? Can be eaten warm?

Bit obvious but pate? You could make or buy a couple of different varieties and serve with melba toasts ready made, bag of mixed leaves and some red onion chutney

Pate could be transported in a cool box, you can get meat free ones now. Serve with some nice sliced bread and butter or toast or ready made crackers and chutney or salad garnish.

Soup would be the easiest option though.

I'd do a mixed tapas style board selection, salami, Parma ham, those little stuffed peppers, artichoke, cherry tomatoes in olive oil , breads and crackers, tapenade, olives, hoummous, melon.
Take it all in pots and assemble onto messy but wonderful looking boards when you get there

I like sparkly72 idea- cold, simple delicious and easy to transport

This is hugely popular realfood.tesco.com/recipes/melon-and-parma-ham.html

Thanks all, Sparkly I like that idea. I think some people will expect seafood so maybe a salmon mousse or some garlicky prawns could be added to the list.

My first thought was pate too, you could make or buy a couple of different ones (e.g. one chicken liver one smoked mackerel and one mushroom) to account for different tastes. People are always impressed by home made pate but it can be very simple to make. Easy to serve too with some nice bread (plus some GF bread or crackers) and some dressed leaves.

I do like Sparkly's idea of having a selection board though as that would give maximum flexibility for all the different needs/preferences and can be grazed on throughout the day rather than having to be served as a formal course if that is your bag?