Christmas dinner menu suggestions!

I've invited quite a few people over, and need to get shopping and thinking..

Restrictions:  It won't be a sit-down dinner, so a bunch of appetizers are best.

                   Most has to be suitable for vegetarians and Muslims.

So far, I think I'll make stuffed mushrooms, steamed artichokes, a few salads, roti and dhal, rhubarb crumble, quesdaillas with salsa, guac and refritos... (cheese is OK, so far)

I'd like to make a seafood stew, but not sure what seafood is OK for Muslims.  They keep saying 'anything is fine' but I think they're just being polite...

I'll pick up a range of juices and other drinks, but if anyone knows of a fabulous fruit drink to make, that would be excellent!

Throw me some ideas, please and thank you!

I'd like to make a seafood stew, but not sure what seafood is OK for Muslims.  They keep saying 'anything is fine' but I think they're just being polite...

I think what they'll eat depends on how strict they are. The basic rule is no pork or pork products.

If you are serving meat is has to be halal, which is widely available in the UK.

This might help http://www.butlersguild.com/index.php?subject=103

Seefood seems to be a personal choice.


Vicky

If you are serving meat is has to be halal, which is widely available in the UK.

It really depends on how strictly they adhere to it. Some of my relatives insist on halal, others don't mind at all.

Madeira, do you know them well enough to ask? If they're not that strict, it'll make your work much easier! 

Well, I'm not cooking any meat dishes... I'm a vegetarian, mostly.  I told them to bring meat dishes if they wanted.  I think my own dietary restrictions cover most of theirs...

I know that I need to modify sauces that I usually add wine to.  (Cranberry juice instead.. with some lime?  Might work.)

I do know them fairly well, but they are super polite...  (If people invite me over, I don't usually say I'm a (pesce-)vegetarian.  It causes too much fuss.  I'm happy with a few vegetables and bread.. so I'm worried.)

Anyhow, thanks!  Ideas for specific drinks and dishes would be most appreciated.

OK, called their Moms in Pakistan last night.

No crab, clams, mussels.  The 'scales and fins' rule seems to be operating.

Last year we had Turkish and Moroccan Muslims over, and they weren't so strict.