Hi there
I also combine finger food with puree.
My LO is just 7 months (started weaning 1 wk before he was 6months) I started by pureeing foods but soon realised he didn't need it, he is quite able to chew food with his gums, I now only mash food with a fork leaving it quite lumpy.
He has cereal at 7am, and 5oz of formula milk
7oz milk mid-morning
Lunch, Fruit mashed with a fork, sometimes with natural yoghurt, after ive fed him i always give finger food ie the rest of the banana/pear etc or a tea cake with a little butter, banana spread on bread or cheese wedge or 'sandwich' etc.
7oz milk mid afternoon
Tea, what ever we are having mashed with a fork, (last night salmon in garlicy sauce with rice) and the same as finger food to keep him occupied while we eat (last night he had home made cheese bread)
7oz milk at bt.
I would definately start, i was quite suprised at how well he managed finger food from the start, i think his favourite is cheese on toast.
HTH