I am having a dinner party on Saturday evening, two of my guests don't eat fish or seafood, and one has a vinegar allergy. I am doing beef wellington for main course and pavlova for pud. I would like to do a light refreshing starter as beef welly can be rather heavy - can anybody help?

How about a chilled soup or something with melon. Something you could have ready that needs no last minute preparation and either of those starters would be light.

Steamed asparagus with a simple lemon and black pepper butter, and parmesan shavings (brown bread and butter on the side?)

One of the many goat's cheese recipes on site?

Or a simple fresh and dried bean salad with a lemon juice or soured cream dressing.

Rustie - you are making me hungry and it is two hours to lunch