Have to agree with liz the sqeak about marzipan -too disgusting. didn't have it in my wedding cake either. can't beat a good old sherry trifle at christmas except don't use sherry use whisky and substitute the custard fora nice chocolate sauce. I've never had fried christmas cake but as an alternative starter how about fried feta cheese fried in olive old with a dash of lemon and black peppercorns. When I livedi n Greece it was called sagernake - makes a nice change from prawn cocktail or smoked salmon. went ot my first xmas 'do' last night. 200 people in a smokuy room with a live band .Where would Christmas be without Hi Ho silver lining and the Time Warp - oh happy days! My husband has just informed me that I will not be getting a Christmas present because the car has just imploded and will cost a small fortune to mend someone out there please cheer me up!